Long Hours Working hours in the mills were long—12 hours a day, 6 days a week. True, farmers also put in long hours. However, farmers worked shorter hours in winter. Mill workers, in contrast, worked nearly the same hours all year round. In the early 1800s, conditions in American mills were generally much better than in most factories in Europe. As industries grew, however, competition increased and employers took less interest in the welfare of their workers. This eventually led to worse working conditions. Factories were often poorly ventilated, dirty, and cramped.

Question

Describe working conditions in early factories.

Answer 1

In the early factories, working conditions were generally better than in most factories in Europe. However, as industries grew and competition increased, employers took less interest in the welfare of their workers, which eventually led to worse working conditions. Workers in the mills worked long hours, typically 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, and they worked nearly the same hours all year round. Factories were often poorly ventilated, dirty, and cramped. These conditions were not only physically demanding but also mentally exhausting, leading to a high rate of worker fatigue and injury. Overall, the working conditions in early factories were harsh and often dangerous, with little regard for the well-being of the workers.