Working Conditions During the Industrial Revolution - Who had it better?

Hi!

In today's blog post, I'll be talking about the difference between working conditions in the United States vs British factories. Overall, the US had a more efficient working system and better living conditions, and the British factories lacked in many areas. For example, the girls in Lowell had a much better schedule than those in Britain. They were allowed an hour for each meal, including a few hours at the end of the day to do whatever they please, be it attending shows, reading, or writing letters. The British girls, however, were stuck with a non-stop schedule that did not allow them time away from their machines and had no time at all at the end of the day to do whatever they want. Another huge upside for the American girls was the fact that they were payed more than the British girls. Because of that, they could freely go into town and buy whatever goods and articles of clothing they would like. Also, they could afford to pay for a living space that way. The British girls were not payed nearly enough, and couldn't afford to buy nice items purely for themselves. Most of the money was sent home to their families. In both factories, their work was temporary. They would work until they were old enough to move out and commit to marriage. However, just because the Lowell girls schedule was better than the British girls, did not mean their tasks were any easier. The work was just as strenuous and everyone faced the same dangers. All in all, The American girls lived a better lifestyle at the mills than the British girls.  (Doc 1, Labor in Lowell)

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