The Factory System

World History

1/9/13

The Factory System

Developed during the Industrial Revolution.Developed during the Industrial Revolution.

Harsh new way of life for workers.Harsh new way of life for workers.

Rigid Discipline

Workers faced a rigid schedule set by the factory whistle.Workers faced a rigid schedule set by the factory whistle.

Working hours were long (12-16 hours)Working hours were long (12-16 hours)

Unsafe Environment

Exhausted workers suffered accidents from machines Exhausted workers suffered accidents from machines that had no safety devices – might lose a finger, a that had no safety devices – might lose a finger, a limb, or even their lives.limb, or even their lives.

Workers were exposed to other dangers as well.Workers were exposed to other dangers as well.

Coal dust destroyed the lungs of miners, and textile Coal dust destroyed the lungs of miners, and textile workers constantly breathed air filled with lint.workers constantly breathed air filled with lint.

Women Workers

Employees actually preferred to hire women workers.Employees actually preferred to hire women workers.

Thought that women could adapt more easily to Thought that women could adapt more easily to machines and were easier to manage than men.machines and were easier to manage than men.

Factories were also able to pay women less than men.Factories were also able to pay women less than men.

Problems for Women?

Factory work actually created problem for Factory work actually created problem for women.women.

New jobs took them out of their home for 12 New jobs took them out of their home for 12 hours a day.hours a day.

Child Labor

Factories and mines also hired many boys and Factories and mines also hired many boys and girls.girls.

Because children had helped with farmwork, Because children had helped with farmwork, parents accepted the idea of child labor.parents accepted the idea of child labor.

Also, the wages children earned were needed to Also, the wages children earned were needed to keep their families from starving.keep their families from starving.

Child Labor

Employers often hired orphans.Employers often hired orphans.

Overseers beat children accused of idling.Overseers beat children accused of idling.

A few factory owners did provide basic A few factory owners did provide basic education and a decent life for child workers.education and a decent life for child workers.