Industrial Revolution and the World It Made
Introduction
The Industrial revolution had an immense and deplorable impact on the children and the family at large. In the 19th Century, the children worked in numerous industries including coal mines and textile mills (Humphries 27). The work involved many physical activities. However, over the years, different machines have since been invented to facilitate production.
In 1832, Michael Sadler organized for an investigation into the working conditions in textile factories in England. The numerous testimonies recounted established that the working conditions in the factories were indeed substandard. An example of a testimony is that of Elizabeth Bentley, who got questioned on June 4, 1832.In her case, she started working at the age of six and worked from 5 AM to 9 PM. The children often became sick due to excessive fatigue and dust. Unfortunately, Elizabeth became bent at the age of thirteen and thus eventually ended up in a poor house due to her inability to work. Various testimonies and statistical information support her claims. Since 1813-33 in Derby, 1927 children under the age of 9 have died (Humphries 127).
Nevertheless, Sadler Committee proceedings which were widely publicized generated much public outcry for reform that later yielded results. Legal infrastructures were eventually developed thus eliminating employment of the children in factories.
Andrew Ure’s description of the factory system
The factory system is one of the most important features of the Industrial revolution. In his book “The Philosophy of Manufacturers”, Andrew Ure explains the significance of the factory system owing to the availability of machines. He argued that the system was efficient because: work was much lighter, increased productivity, there was no corporal punishment inflicted on children and workers were less susceptible to cholera. He also observed that the scientific improvement on manufacturing relieved the workmen from exhaustion and fatigue (Humphries 225).
Conclusion
Therefore, Michael Sadler’s account is more persuasive. From the testimonies and statistics gathered, it is clearly evident that the working conditions especially in the 19th century were absurd. This is due to poverty hence children were not able to enroll in schools and were forced to work under extreme conditions. Sadler’s investigations thus led to the provision of legislation that catered for women children. However, Inasmuch as Andrew Ure’s account provides for the use of machines to increase productivity, it does not regard the interests of women and children.
Reference
Humphries, J. (2010). Childhood and child labour and the British industrial revolution. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press.
