Which of the following best identifies the results of economic liberalism for workers in the Industrial Revolution? (1 point)
A. • Economic liberalism meant that employers could pay people as little as possible and not be concerned with their working conditions.
B. • Economic liberalism involved employers paying high taxes to their government, which limited workers' pay.
C. • Economic liberalism gave workers protections from getting fired for no reason.
D. Economic liberalism meant that workers had the freedom to join unions.
The correct answer is:
A. Economic liberalism meant that employers could pay people as little as possible and not be concerned with their working conditions.
To identify the best answer that explains the results of economic liberalism for workers in the Industrial Revolution, we need to understand the concept of economic liberalism and its impact on workers during that time.
Economic liberalism, also known as classical liberalism or laissez-faire capitalism, is an economic system that emphasizes limited government intervention in the economy, free trade, and individual economic freedom. In this system, the market forces of supply and demand are expected to determine prices, wages, and working conditions.
Now, let's evaluate each of the given options:
A. Economic liberalism meant that employers could pay people as little as possible and not be concerned with their working conditions.
This option accurately reflects one of the consequences of economic liberalism during the Industrial Revolution. With minimal government restrictions, employers had the freedom to set low wages and were not obligated to provide safe or favorable working conditions to workers.
B. Economic liberalism involved employers paying high taxes to their government, which limited workers' pay.
This option is incorrect. Economic liberalism promotes limited government intervention and lower taxes, rather than high taxes that limit workers' pay.
C. Economic liberalism gave workers protections from getting fired for no reason.
This option is not accurate. Economic liberalism did not inherently provide workers with protections from arbitrary dismissals. Instead, it focused on free-market principles and individual liberty, often leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.
D. Economic liberalism meant that workers had the freedom to join unions.
This option is partially accurate. While economic liberalism generally supported individual freedom, including joining unions, it's worth noting that early in the Industrial Revolution, unions faced substantial opposition, and workers' rights to form unions and collectively bargain were not fully protected. Workers fought for these rights as labor movements developed over time.
Based on the explanations provided, option A, "Economic liberalism meant that employers could pay people as little as possible and not be concerned with their working conditions," best identifies the results of economic liberalism for workers in the Industrial Revolution.