The Department of Commerce and Labor was a United States government agency established in 1903. Its primary purpose was to oversee and promote economic growth, manage labor relations, and ensure fair labor practices. The department aimed to balance the interests of businesses and workers, fostering a healthy economy. In 1913, the Department of Commerce and Labor was split into two separate entities: the Department of Commerce and the Department of Labor. This division allowed each department to focus more effectively on its specific responsibilities, with the Department of Commerce concentrating on trade and economic development, while the Department of Labor focused on labor rights and workforce issues.