Early Industrialization (1750-1850):
- In the early phase of industrialization, factories were primarily concentrated in Britain, where the Industrial Revolution began. During this period, the number of factory workers grew steadily. By the early 19th century, there were an estimated several hundred thousand factory workers in Britain.
- In other parts of Europe and the United States, industrialization was still in its early stages, and the number of factory workers was relatively small compared to Britain. However, the growth of factories was accelerating.
Late Industrialization (1850-1900):
- The late 19th century marked a period of rapid industrialization in many countries. The number of factories and factory workers exploded during this time.
- In Britain, the workforce employed in factories increased substantially. By the end of the 19th century, there were several million factory workers in the country.
- In the United States, industrialization accelerated after the Civil War. The number of factory workers in the U.S. grew from a few hundred thousand in the mid-19th century to several million by 1900.
- Other industrialized countries, such as France, Germany, and Japan, also experienced significant growth in factory employment during the late 19th century.
It's important to note that the working conditions in factories during the Industrial Revolution were often challenging. Long working hours, low wages, and unsafe environments were common, leading to social and labor reform movements.
While specific historical records may provide more detailed information about factory employment in certain regions or industries during the period, determining an exact figure for the total number of factory workers from 1750 to 1900 is not feasible due to incomplete and varying data sources.