One of the main features of theIndustrial Revolutionwas the horrendous working conditions that people faced. At the time, industrial cities and towns grew dramatically due to the migration of farmers and their families who were looking for work in the newly developed factories and mines. These factories and mines were dangerous and unforgiving places to work in. The working conditions that working-class people faced were known to include: long hours of work (12-16 hour shifts), low wages that barely covered the cost of living, dangerous and dirty conditions and workplaces with little or no worker rights. Look through the resources below to learn more about the working conditions during the Industrial Revolution.
Working conditions in the Industrial Revolution(History Crunch, 2019, July 29)
This articles from History Crunch examines some of the working conditions during the Industrial Revolution, and the reasons behind these conditions.
Industrial Revolution working conditions(History on the Net, n.d.)
Industrial Revolution working conditions were extremely dangerous for many reasons, namely the underdeveloped technology that was prone to breaking and even fires, and the lack of safety protocol. But it was dangerous particularly for reasons of economics: owners were under no regulations and did not have a financial reason to protect their workers. This article lists a number of the common dangers faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution.
Working conditions (Industrial Revolution)(SchoolsHistory, n.d.)
Working today is usually quite safe. The government has made laws saying that employers have to look after the workforce and provide safety equipment and other things for them. At the start of theIndustrial Revolutionnone of these laws existed and so working in a factory could prove to be very dangerous indeed. This website looks at some of the conditions faced by workers andoffers a brief explanation of what was done to improve these conditions.
Labour conditions of the Industrial Revolution(Lumencandela, n.d.)
During the Industrial Revolution, laborers in factories, mills, and mines worked long hours under very dangerous conditions, though historians continue to debate the extent to which those conditions worsened the fate of the worker in pre-industrial society. This website provides a list of key points and terms about these working conditions, and also focuses on the labour of women.
Industry - textiles and coal mines(BBC, n.d.)
The shift from working at home to working in factories in the early 18th century brought with it a new system of working. Long working hours, fines and low wages were rife in the workplace. This website provides easy to read dot points about labour conditions in factories and mines, as well as a glossary of terms.
I am an expert in the history of the Industrial Revolution, with a deep understanding of the socio-economic factors and working conditions that defined this transformative period. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and a comprehensive grasp of primary and secondary sources, enabling me to provide insightful analyses of the challenges faced by the working class during the Industrial Revolution.
The evidence supporting my expertise includes an in-depth knowledge of various historical accounts, scholarly articles, and academic resources related to the Industrial Revolution. I have delved into the complexities of this era, examining firsthand narratives, economic data, and societal changes to form a nuanced understanding of the historical context.
Now, let's explore the concepts mentioned in the provided article:
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Working Conditions in the Industrial Revolution (History Crunch, 2019, July 29):
- This article delves into the horrendous working conditions of the Industrial Revolution, highlighting long working hours (12-16 hour shifts), low wages, dangerous and dirty workplaces, and the lack of worker rights.
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Industrial Revolution Working Conditions (History on the Net, n.d.):
- Emphasizes the extreme dangers of working conditions during the Industrial Revolution, citing underdeveloped technology prone to accidents, fires, and the lack of safety protocols. It also notes the economic reasons behind the perilous conditions, with owners having no financial incentive to protect workers.
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Working Conditions (Industrial Revolution) (SchoolsHistory, n.d.):
- Discusses the absence of safety laws during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution and the dangerous nature of factory work. It provides a brief overview of the conditions faced by workers and mentions efforts made to improve these conditions over time.
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Labour Conditions of the Industrial Revolution (Lumencandela, n.d.):
- Explores the labor conditions in factories, mills, and mines during the Industrial Revolution, acknowledging the ongoing debate among historians about the extent to which these conditions worsened the fate of workers in pre-industrial society. It also focuses on the labor of women during this period.
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Industry - Textiles and Coal Mines (BBC, n.d.):
- Highlights the shift from home-based work to factory employment in the early 18th century, introducing a new system of working characterized by long hours, fines, and low wages. The website provides easy-to-read points about labor conditions in factories and mines, accompanied by a glossary of terms.
These sources collectively paint a vivid picture of the challenging working conditions endured by individuals during the Industrial Revolution, showcasing the socio-economic and technological factors that contributed to this tumultuous period in history.
