Why Unions?
Immigrants and Children in Factories
factory, children, child labor, industry
Exploitation of Child Labor
Many factories during the industrial era exploited young children for cheap labor. Children as young as 6 years old were paid meager wages–approximately $0.27 per day– spreading a cycle of poverty.
Dangers Faced by Child Workers
Children faced dangers from hazardous conditions and large machinery, leading to injuries and illness. Concern arose for the ethical treatment of vulnerable members of society.
Immigration Impact
Increased immigration to the United States helped reduce the reliance on child labor. Adult immigrants filled many factory positions previously held by children, and as demand for child labor decreased, more children could attend school.
In the late 1800s, which group was hired to replace children as cheap labor in the factories?
immigrants
women
western settlers