Question

why were factory conditions so bad at the start of the industrial revolution?
factory owners wanted to maximize profits.
laws were not in place to protect workers.
there was too much work and too few workers.
workers were used to poor conditions.

Explanation:

Factory owners aimed to maximize profits by minimizing costs (e.g., safety, wages), and there were no labor protection laws to restrict exploitation. A surplus of workers (not shortage) existed, and workers' prior conditions don't explain the severity.

Answer:

A. Factory owners wanted to maximize profits., B. Laws were not in place to protect workers.