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Industrialism
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The Industrial Revolution was a huge innovative period that brought the world to a modern era of production. This event gave birth to many wonderful inventions and innovations, but it also led to the suffering of many different groups of people at the hands of the upper class. |
Child LaborChildren were often used as workers in the newly formed factories. They worked for very little money, and they were willing to work in harsh and dangerous environments. The machines that the workers had to operate was very dangerous, and there were many reports of fingers and hands being cut off of parents and child workers.
One report on the exploitation of children is from an article written by Edward Baines: "It is alleged (claimed) that the children who work in factories are often cruelly beaten by the masters of the factories, and that they grow up to be cripples (people that have trouble walking) because of the hard working conditions and the injuries they suffer. It is alleged that they are forced to work thirteen, fourteen or fifteen hours per day." The workers did not have any way to protect themselves from exploitation. Any sign of revolting and rebelling would have lead to strict punishments, which also included the firing of the worker. There was also no consequences for the bosses for treating subordinates badly. This lead to greedy men to exploit the people who worked for them. |
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Reforms on Labor LawsThe horrible mistreatment of the working class during the Industrial Revolution led to the formation of many unions and groups that fought for rights for the working class. These work unions helped to pass many laws that gave workers rights from being exploited by their bosses. Factories are now regulated better and workers are protected by laws. The owners cannot exploit their workers at a great rate anymore.
The power abuse that factory owners used on their employees also led to many political ideals to form. Marxism, a foundation for Communism, speaks about protecting the working class because they are the foundation of society. It also talks about having the working class taking over the businesses. It's final goal is to for society to be classless and every aspect of life to be equal for everyone. From the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, the creator of Marxism: "Modern bourgeoisie private property only exploits the working class. Bourgeoisie property must be swept out of the way. It must be converted into common property for use by all members of society." The Communist Manifesto lays out the ideals and the goals of Communism. |