How did the Industrial Revolution change working conditions for
people?
Answer: The Industrial Revolution, which lasted from the late 18th century to
the mid-19th century, brought significant changes to working conditions for
people. Before the Industrial Revolution, most people worked in agriculture or
cottage industries, such as weaving or spinning. However, with the invention
and spread of new machines and technologies, large factories were built, and
a new system of manufacturing emerged. This new system of manufacturing
fundamentally changed the way people worked and had significant impacts on
working conditions.
The working conditions of people changed in multiple ways. One significant
change was that people began to work long hours, often 12-16 hours per day,
six days a week. Additionally, these long hours were spent in crowded and
poorly ventilated factories with low lighting, making work conditions dangerous
and unhealthy. The work was repetitive, and workers had to perform the same
tasks repeatedly, leading to muscle strains and other health issues.
Furthermore, with the introduction of assembly lines, workers had to work at a
fast pace to keep up with production, making the work even more exhausting.
Despite these harsh conditions, workers' salaries remained low. They also
faced poor working conditions, including inadequate safety measures and
poor ventilation, which increased the risk of accidents and occupational health
problems. Furthermore, many workers, including children, were subjected to
physical and emotional abuse and discrimination based on race, gender, and
ethnicity.
However, the Industrial Revolution also brought some positive changes, such
as an increase in productivity, which increased the overall standard of living.
Also, new inventions, such as the spinning jenny and the steam engine, made
mass production possible, decreased the cost of manufacturing, and improved
the quality of goods.
In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution brought significant changes to the
working conditions of people, with long hours, poor sanitation, and dangerous
situations. Though it made important improvements blurring the lines between
social discrimination and increasing the quality of life.
References:
- Snell, K. (2017). The Industrial Revolution. The Stanford encyclopedia of philosophy.
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/industrial-revolution/
- Bloy, M. (n.d.). Industrial revolution: Impact on working conditions. The Victorian Web.
http://www.victorianweb.org/technology/ir/workers1.html
- Ruff, J. (2019). The working conditions in the industrial revolution. The balance small
business. https://www.thebalancesmb.com/working-conditions-in-the-industrial-revolution4057748