United States History Student Edition

03 People of the North

The Factories of the North GUIDING QUESTION Why did many Americans push for reform in the workplace during this era? During the early and mid-1800s, the factory system combined several steps of the production of an item under one roof. American factories began to turn out everything from fabric and clothing to shoes, watches, guns, sewing machines, and agricultural machinery. However, the lives of factory employees were difficult. Factory work was exhausting and could even be dangerous. Often, the workers did not live to old age. Conditions for Factory Workers Working conditions worsened over time as the factory system developed. Employees worked long hours. By 1840, the average workday was 11.4 hours. Longer days caused fatigue—and on-the-job accidents. Many factory machines had rapidly moving belts and other parts. These belts had no shields for protection, and many workers, especially children, suffered injuries from them. Machine belts were just one of the many hazards of factory work. Employees often worked under harsh or uncomfortable conditions. In the summer, factories were hot and stifling. The machines gave off heat, and there was no air-conditioning at that time. Likewise, in the winter, workers were often cold because most factories had no heating. No laws existed to control working conditions or protect workers. Factory owners were often more concerned about profits than about their employees’ comfort and safety.

READING STRATEGY Analyzing Key Ideas and Details Read carefully to determine two reasons that cities grew. List those reasons in a diagram like this one. Which growing cities became centers of trade?

Growth of Cities

FLORIDA BENCHMARKS

• SS.8.A.1.2 • SS.8.A.4.3 • SS.8.A.4.7 • SS.8.CG.1.3 • SS.8.CG.2.4 • SS.8.E.2.1 • SS.8.E.2.2 • SS.8.G.4.1 • SS.8.G.4.2 • ELA.K12.EE.3.1 • ELA.K12.EE.4.1 • ELA.K12.EE.5.1 • ELA.K12.EE.6.1

Textile factories used large and sometimes dangerous machinery.

North Wind Picture Archives/Alamy Stock Photo

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