The Industrial Revolution marked a significant turning point in human history. It began in the late 18th century and transformed society in Europe and North America, leading to unprecedented economic growth and technological advancement. As machines took over production, the traditional forms of labor were no longer adequate, and significant changes occurred in working conditions, social classes, the size of cities, and living conditions.
Firstly, workers during the Industrial Revolution were subject to harsh and dangerous conditions. Many factory workers were required to work long hours in unsafe and unhygienic conditions. They were forced to work in poorly lit, overcrowded spaces without ventilation, rest breaks, or sanitary facilities. Moreover, workers had no job security, and their employers exercised harsh discipline, including fines, imprisonment, and even corporal punishment. There were no safety regulations, and many factory accidents led to injuries, disabilities, and death. For example, in 1818, a steam boiler explosion in a Manchester factory killed 18 people and injured dozens more. These harsh working conditions made workers vulnerable and exposed them to significant risks.
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Workers organized unions and strikes to demand better working conditions, higher wages, and job security. They protested against the exploitation and oppression of the working class and called for greater political and social equality. For example, the Tolpuddle Martyrs in England were a group of workers who formed a union and were sentenced to transportation to Australia for their efforts. In the United States, the Haymarket Riot in Chicago in 1886 led to the establishment of the eight-hour workday. These protests and social movements were essential to the Industrial Revolution and shaped the future of labor rights, social justice, and