Question

the factory system
directions: during the industrial revolution, family - based cottage - industries were displaced by the factory system. find a picture of a typical factory and paste it in the box below. then describe the nature of work in the factory system, what working conditions were like, and child labor. in the smoke cloud at the top, describe the effect the factory system had on society.
effects on society
the factory system
type your response here.
working conditions
type your response here.
child labor
type your response here.

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze each section:

The Factory System:

Work in factories was specialized (workers did repetitive tasks on assembly lines/machines) and urbanized (shift from home - based cottage industries to centralized factories). Production was mechanized, with workers operating machines (e.g., textile mills used power - looms).

Working Conditions:

Factories were dangerous (unprotected machinery caused injuries), unsanitary (crowded, dirty spaces), and had long hours (12 - 16 - hour shifts, 6 - 7 days a week). Ventilation was poor, leading to respiratory issues, and wages were low.

Child Labor:

Children (as young as 6 - 8) worked long hours (same as adults in some cases) in factories. They were employed because they were small (to fit in tight machine spaces), cheap labor, and less likely to unionize. Conditions were harsh: dangerous machinery, beatings for mistakes, and stunted education/physical growth.

Effects on Society:

• Urbanization: Rapid growth of cities (people moved from rural areas for factory jobs).
• Class Division: Created a clear working class (proletariat) and capitalist class (bourgeoisie).
• Social Reforms: Spurred movements for labor laws (e.g., limiting hours, child labor bans) and worker rights.
• Economic Growth: Boosted industrial output, but also led to wealth inequality.

Answer:

The Factory System

Work was specialized, mechanized, and centralized in urban factories. Workers performed repetitive tasks operating machines (e.g., in textile or iron - working factories).

Working Conditions

Long hours (12 + hours daily), dangerous machinery (no safety guards), unsanitary/crowded spaces, low wages, and poor ventilation.

Child Labor

Children (often 6–12) worked long hours in factories. They were used for their small size (to reach machine parts), cheap labor, and faced dangers (injuries, abuse) and missed education.

Effects on Society

• Urbanization: Mass rural - to - urban migration.
• Class divide: Proletariat (workers) vs. bourgeoisie (factory owners).
• Reforms: Sparked labor movements for better wages, hours, and child labor laws.
• Economic shift: From agrarian to industrial economy, with increased production but inequality.