The darker side of Industrialization
... engine created inexpensive energy which was then used to further develop industries. The railroad was based off the idea of the steam engine. It transformed the world because many goods and products which could not be sold very far from where they were produced could now be shipped across an extremely long distance. It could transfer many goods in an enormous amount to ports that would stretch across the world for a fairly cheap cost. The transition from hand tools to machinery marked a revolution which greatly increased job availability for civilians. These new machines were a great help for producing long-hour tasks in minutes. While job availability improved, factory rules became more and more unjust, creating an unhealthy environment for the workers. The factories were being used simply to create a profit for the owners. Factory owners forced workers to work long hours, with very low wages, and almost no time for rest or lunch. There was no money spent on the safety of employees to safeguard them. Clothes were always loose and getting caught in the machinery resulting in terrible injuries. The owners even used children as young as eight to work in factories. This was because many of the children were coming from orphanages and if one of them was to get hurt on the job, the child could be easily replaced. Children were preferred to be hired rather than adults because they were paid much less. In addition to that, they were small so they could fit in small spaces to clear up broken threads in machinery. Workers began to work at “ 6 A.M. precisely” and ended at “7 P.M”( 136). Doors were locked after 6 A.M. Anyone who was late had wages taken from him or her. There was absolutely no conversation in the workplace nor was there any during break. Disobedience could result in punishment which often included beating with several inst...