Causes and effects of child labor during and after the industrial revolution - Essay Example

Child Labor during the Industrial Revolution Child Labor during the Industrial Revolution In the years between 1876 and 1900 after the Civil War, the United States experienced a period of industrial growth. There was growth of various sectors and industries such as petroleum refinery, steel manufacturing and use of electricity. The use of railroads grew and localised goods and services were could be now accessed all over the country. This era led to the creation of an emergent class of rich entrepreneurs and a well-to-do middle class.

The increased industrial growth created a lot of blue collar jobs. The labour force comprised immigrants and people migrating from rural to urban areas to look for better lives (Grier, 2009). Unfortunately, these families would be disappointed to discover that life was not as attractive as they had hoped; jobs required long working hours and were not paying well. As a result, every family member had to work just so the family would be above the poverty line. Conditions for children who had to work were very harsh; workdays would be as long as 14 hours with few breaks.

In the factories, the conditions were very dangerous with injuries and deaths. The machines were very fast and could easily catch ones limbs. Moreover, the factory environment was toxic and polluted which often lead to illnesses and chronic diseases and conditions. The rural areas were not any better for the children; children would spend long hours harvesting crops with extreme temperatures. Children who worked had the disadvantage of not going to school (Grier 2009). Indeed the state of affairs during the Industrial revolution was sad for children.

ReferencesGrier, B. (2009). The World of Child Labour. New York: M.E. Sharpe.