The Industrial Revolution: A Big Change in Work and Life
The Industrial Revolution started in the late 1700s and changed how people lived and worked. New technology and ways of working made a big difference. During this time, many people moved to cities, and new social classes appeared, especially the industrial working class.
Before this, most things were made by hand. But with machines taking over, production increased a lot! For example, in Britain, the cotton industry grew from making 22 million pounds of cotton in 1780 to over 500 million pounds by 1850.
But this growth came with problems. Workers had a tough time. They often worked 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week, and earned very little—about $1.00 a day. Factory conditions were dangerous, and about half of the workers in some places got hurt or became sick because of their work.
Because of these tough working conditions, people began to fight for workers’ rights. The first trade unions started to form in the early 1800s. A big change happened in 1824 when the Combination Act was repealed. This meant workers could join together to ask for better treatment without getting in trouble. By 1868, the Trades Union Congress was formed in Britain, marking an important step for recognizing workers’ rights.
These labor movements didn’t just focus on workers’ issues. They also pushed for better social rules. Laws called the Factory Acts began in the 1830s and went on into the 20th century. They aimed to limit working hours and improve conditions. For example, the Factory Act of 1833 set the minimum age for child workers at 9 years old and limited how much children aged 9 to 13 could work to 48 hours a week.
The Industrial Revolution changed not only how economies worked but also helped create the labor laws and movements we know today. These changes still affect discussions about workers’ rights around the world.
The Industrial Revolution: A Big Change in Work and Life
The Industrial Revolution started in the late 1700s and changed how people lived and worked. New technology and ways of working made a big difference. During this time, many people moved to cities, and new social classes appeared, especially the industrial working class.
Before this, most things were made by hand. But with machines taking over, production increased a lot! For example, in Britain, the cotton industry grew from making 22 million pounds of cotton in 1780 to over 500 million pounds by 1850.
But this growth came with problems. Workers had a tough time. They often worked 12 to 16 hours a day, six days a week, and earned very little—about $1.00 a day. Factory conditions were dangerous, and about half of the workers in some places got hurt or became sick because of their work.
Because of these tough working conditions, people began to fight for workers’ rights. The first trade unions started to form in the early 1800s. A big change happened in 1824 when the Combination Act was repealed. This meant workers could join together to ask for better treatment without getting in trouble. By 1868, the Trades Union Congress was formed in Britain, marking an important step for recognizing workers’ rights.
These labor movements didn’t just focus on workers’ issues. They also pushed for better social rules. Laws called the Factory Acts began in the 1830s and went on into the 20th century. They aimed to limit working hours and improve conditions. For example, the Factory Act of 1833 set the minimum age for child workers at 9 years old and limited how much children aged 9 to 13 could work to 48 hours a week.
The Industrial Revolution changed not only how economies worked but also helped create the labor laws and movements we know today. These changes still affect discussions about workers’ rights around the world.