working conditions during the Industrial Revolution Flashcards
Name some examples of working conditions
long hours, low wages, child labor, terrible working conditions
how did factories being built contribute to low wages
As factories were being rapidly built, they were in need of workers and because so many people were in need of work, employers could set wages as low as they wanted because people were desperate for money
Name some jobs men could do in the mills
carpenters and blacksmiths
why could women not have good jobs in the mills
Men were seen as more powerful, controlling and stronger and were also seen as more practical so they could do tougher jobs
What did the 1833 Factory Act do.
It was the first effective law to be passed that reformed factory working practices. It said that no child under the age of 9 could work, children aged 9-13 could only work 48 hours a week with 8 hours being the maximum working day, children 13-18 could now only work 12 hour days- all children under 13 needed 2 hours of education a day
Why did Mill and factory owners oppose reform to factories
they will lose money as they will have to pay their workers more
they will have to employ more adult workers on adult wages as child labor will be banned
upgrading and making factories safer costs money
employees will be working less hours and owners thought this would decrease productivity
who was Titus Salt
Mill owner in Bradford who treated his workforce fairly as he wanted to make them happier because h believed this would increase productivity
who was Robert Owen
Mill owner who believed if his workers were treated well then they would work more productively- he provided his workers with housing and a school and as a result the productivity of his workers improved
What did the factory act of 1847 do
This was known as the 10 hour act and further limited the working hours in the textile industry, this 10 hour act was introduced for women and children
What did the 1895 factory act do
This act amended and extended previous acts regarding sanitary provisions including: safety, employment of children, holidays, accidents and made certain industrial diseases notifiable for the first time.
Why did reform in factories take time (laissez faire attitude)
Many MPs and mill owners still felt a ‘laissez faire’ attitude towards their workers and his decreased the likelihood of owners seeing the need for reform and in the meantime, their exploited workers would still be suffering.
How did rights at peoples work cause protets
people wanted to protest because of issues such as: maximum working day hours, sick pay, minimum wage, equal gender pay etc
