Life for factory workers during the Industrial Revolution was harsh and demanding. Factories were often dangerous places, with little regard for worker safety. Long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions were the norm.
* Long hours: Factory workers often worked 12 or more hours a day, six days a week. There were few breaks, and workers were often forced to work overtime.
* Low wages: Factory workers were paid very low wages, often not enough to support a family. Women and children were paid even less than men.
* Poor working conditions: Factories were often overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and unsanitary. Workers were exposed to dangerous chemicals and machinery, and accidents were common.
* Child labor: Children as young as five or six years old were often employed in factories. They worked the same long hours and under the same dangerous conditions as adults.
Child Laborers
The Industrial Revolution also saw the widespread use of child labor. Children were often sent to work in factories to supplement their families' income. They worked the same long hours and under the same dangerous conditions as adults, but were paid even less.
* Age: Children as young as five or six years old were often employed in factories.
* Long hours: Child laborers worked the same long hours as adults, 12 or more hours a day, six days a week.
* Low wages: Child laborers were paid even less than adult workers.
* Poor working conditions: Child laborers worked in the same dangerous and unsanitary conditions as adults.
* Accidents: Children were often injured or killed in factory accidents.
* Health problems: Child laborers often suffered from health problems as a result of their work.
The Industrial Revolution brought great wealth and innovation, but it also had a devastating impact on the lives of factory workers and child laborers. It took many years of social reform and legislation to improve the working conditions and lives of these exploited workers.