Effects of industrialization on the workers in the late 19th century

The industrial revolution positively impacted on the lives of workers as it brought about urbanization. Their lives were greatly advanced by the newly invented steam machine which provided cheap movement of goods through water transport. Railroads inventions dramatically transformed the lives of the workers since fresh foods could be easily delivered to distant places. 1 Despite the many positive effects, the revolution had several negative impacts on the workers, for instance, the working conditions were horrible and employees got low wages. Rapid urbanization brought about the general deterioration of the quality of life of the workers. The field of medicine rapidly evolved, positively impacting the lives of the workers. Industrialization allowed for fast production of medical equipment and drugs such that they were always available when needed.

5 Physicians in different areas learned and invented new ways of treatment and cures for diseases that had become prone among the workers, resulting in better care. As the revolution advanced, workers became more knowledgeable and specialized. They got trained on how to perform complicated tasks and how to operate the machines. 8 Industrialization allowed women to actively participate in nation building which inversely made them vibrant in social activism. Because of the industrial revolution, many women relocated from their homes and began to live independently. It gave them a chance to work and provide for their families even without the help of their husbands. 9 The children who worked in the industries together with their mothers helped provide financial help to their families.

Despite the many positive impacts of the industrial revolution, it had several short-term and long-term effects on the workers. They were confined in the factory and given no chance to wander and chat with neighbors or workmates. 12 Off days were not given for them to reunite with their families and this adversely broke family ties. Moreover, the living conditions were awfully poor with the abrupt overcrowding in the cities and industrial towns. The promise for good salaries forced people to quit agriculture and moved to the cities in large numbers. The towns were however not ready to receive them, housing shortages led to shanty towns made of shacks. Child labor was, unfortunately, a central part to the factories and mines, factory owners preferred unskilled and cheap labor in the quest of decreasing the cost of production.

Of all forms of labor, child labor was the cheapest. Some of the machines were easy to operate since they entailed repetitive tasks. Children’s smaller hands would reach tiny holes and spaces and therefore, the employers preferred hiring children. They were expected to eat as they worked and no breaks were given. The revolution fully transformed the role of the family as it was characterized by separation. 18 Traditionally, families worked together in farms, women were expected to parent and men would provide for their families. Children had time for work and play, however, industrialization completely changed all that. Just like in the factories, specialization occurred in the home unit as work and home life became completely separated. Men, women, and children all joined in to work differently in an attempt to provide for the families.

19 Literally, widespread global warming can be traced back to the industrial revolution. Therefore, it is prudent to say that industrialization posed both positive and negative effects on the workers. It brought new inventions and methods of work, reducing human effort. Moreover, it created many job opportunities for women, men, and children, and the movement of goods was made easier by the invention of canals and the steam engine. The lives of workers were greatly improved by the railroad system which gave them the opportunity to travel and meet new people.  The world of child labor. Abingdo: Routledge, 2014. Kirby, P.  Child workers and industrial health in Britain, 1780-1850 (pp. Suffolk: Boydell & Brewer Ltd, 2013. 974330 Nardo, D.  The industrial revolution in the United States (pp.