Industrialization

Industrialization

The working conditions for the average factory worker in the early 1800’s were vastly different than the working conditions for men and women today. Trade unions were unheard of, and OSHA was not even a thought in the legislatures of yesteryear. Horrific hours, back breaking locales and child labor was the common working environment of the early nineteenth century. The environment of the 19th century factory was one of discipline and low wages. The cottage industry was fading, and machine automated factories were replacing the skilled hand workers. Employment was difficult, and families found it difficult to survive. Women and children were forced into the work force of factories, especially the textile industry.

The “sweat shops” of today are minor in comparison to the textile and other trade factories that commonly employed the following work force for cheap labor to generate greater company profits:

1. Children from the early age of 6 an...