Working conditions during the Industrial Revolution

The working conditions were terrible during the Industrial Revolution. As factories were being built, businesses were in need of workers. With a long line of people willing to work, employers could set wages as low as they wanted because people were willing to do work as long as they got paid. People worked fourteen to sixteen hours a day for six days a week. However, the majority were unskilled workers, who only received about $8-$10 dollars a week, working at approximately 10 cents an hour. Skilled workers earned a little more, but not significantly more. Women received one-third or sometimes one-half the pay that men received. Children received even less. Owners, who were only concerned with making a profit, were satisfied because labor costed less. 

Factories were not the best places to work. The only light present was the sunlight that came through the windows. Machines spit out smoke and in some factories, workers came out covered in black soot by the end of the day. There were a plethora of machines with not many safety precautions. This resulted in many accidents. The workers only received a break for lunch and a break for dinner. 

Children were paid less than 10 cents an hour for fourteen hour days of work. They were used for simpler, unskilled jobs. Many children had physical deformities because of the lack of exercise and sunlight. The use of children as labor for such long hours with little pay led to the formation of labor unions.

Labor Unions formed because workers finally wanted to put a stop to long hours with little pay. They demanded more pay and fairer treatment. They did not want children to work in factories because of the danger involved. Labor unions organized strikes and protests. However, as more immigrants came to the United States, more workers became available. These workers were willing to work, even if others were not because of unfair treatment. This lessened the effect of the labor unions since businesses had no shortage of workers. This is why most labor unions were unsuccessful.

Movies and the Industrial Revolution: (www.screenjunkies.com)

"Germinal.” “Germinal” is a 1993 romantic drama set in mid-19th century northern France. The story centers on a European coal mining town during the Industrial Revolution, and the exploited workers who strike in protest against the owner of the mine. This award-winning French language film, available with English subtitles, stars Renaud, Gérard Depardieu, and Miou-Miou.

“Hard Times.” “Hard Times” is a 1994 BBC film adaptation of a classic Charles Dickens novel. The story reveals the plight of the poor working classes in Victorian England–people who had no choice but to work in factories and mills, for owners who abused and exploited them, growing rich at their expense. Alan Bates and Bob Peck lead a stellar cast, in a raw and honest look at England during the Industrial Revolution.

“Modern Times.” “Modern Times” is a classic 1936 Charlie Chaplin film. In this award-winning romantic comedy, the Tramp (an American factory worker) struggles to live in a modern industrial society–with the help of a young homeless woman. This hilarious black-and-white, mostly-silent film stars Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, and Henry Bergman.

“Moulin Rouge.” “Moulin Rouge” is an Oscar-winning 2001 musical drama set in late 1800s Paris, France. The story takes place during the French bohemian revolution, a cultural transformation that took place during the Industrial Revolution era. The story centers on a young poet who falls in love with a beautiful courtesan who is also coveted by a duke. Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and John Leguizamo star in the film.

"Oliver Twist.” “Oliver Twist” is a 2005 film adaptation of a classic Charles Dickens novel. Set in 19th century London, England, the story centers on an orphan boy who meets a pickpocket and joins a household of boys trained to steal for their master. The film depicts the harsh life and environment of many orphans and urban children during the Industrial Revolution in England. Barney Clark, Ben Kingsley, and Jeremy Swift star in this award-nominated movie.