Liberal Reforms: Poverty, living and working conditions at the end of the 18th Century/ start of the 19th Century Flashcards
1
Q
How many people lived under the poverty line?
A
According to statistics, in some areas of Britain, as many as 1/3 of people were living in poverty and misery
2
Q
Why did 1/3 of the population live under the poverty line?
A
Lots of industries operated on a casual employment basis - people turned up to the docks every day, hoping to find employment for a few hours. Some were lucky and had a job for 3 days in the week.
3
Q
What other trades were poorly paid?
A
Another trade, which was renowned for long hours, poor pay and working conditions was the tailing industry - one of the Sweated trades.
4
Q
How much were Coal backers paid?
A
Coal backers earned 15 to 20 shillings a day. However due to the nature of the job they could not work beyond the age of 40.
