InventorsRichard Arkwight was the main cause behind the growth and evolution of factories. He patented his spinning frame in 1769 and created the first true factory at Cromford.
Edmund Cartwright's invention was the power loom which ended the life style of skilled weavers. Even thoug it was valueless, it was the basis for future looms. Duke of Bridgewater invented the Bridgewater Canal which enabled many resources such as coal to be transported by the expanding towns and cities. Thomas Edison invented the practical electric light bulb which made things practical, and was a easy alternative to candles and fuel for light. |
Factory LifeThe factories began to replace small industries and the population grew. Factories ran for profit and any form of machine safety guard costed money. There were no safety guards and any safety equipment was non-existent. The factory owners did not care who worked at their factories, as long as they got their job done. Factory work greatly affected the life experiences for children, men, and women. Some women made large contributions to their families through paid labor in the factories. Many workers had to work as long as 16 hours a day. |
Children in Industrial FactoriesChildren had to work in factories because most children during this era were orphans and if they got injured, the kids can get replaced. If the kids got injured it would be much cheaper than the adults since the kids was paid less than adults. Children were hired to work in factories since they were small enough to crawl under machinery to tie up threads that are broken or fix things that are in small spaces. The factory workers also gave the kids working very little time to eat and the common foods they ate were bread and soups potatoes, gruel, beer, and oatcakes.
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