Industrial Revolution Workers Challenges & Compensation

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Questions and Answers

What was the temperature often exceeding during summers for workers?

100° (correct)

110°

80°

90°

Which event resulted in at least 360 miners' deaths due to an explosion?

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

Monongah Mining Accident (correct)

Mud Run Disaster

Hazelton Train Collision

What did workers have to do under the harsh conditions described?

Work in shifts of less than 8 hours

Use safety gear at all times

Take frequent breaks

Perform new patterns of movement perfectly (correct)

What unsanitary condition was predominantly found in the mining sector?

Lack of ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Who was Frances Perkins?

Head of the New York Consumers League Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main goals of scientific management during the Industrial Revolution?

To reduce the number of movements a worker made Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant health risk for workers in factories during the Industrial Revolution?

Exposure to harmful chemicals Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a challenge faced by workers in factories?

Excessive worker training Signup and view all the answers

What major issue did business owners face regarding worker safety during the Industrial Revolution?

Lack of incentives to implement safety measures Signup and view all the answers

What was a common feature of factory environments during the Industrial Revolution?

High temperatures and poor air quality Signup and view all the answers

What major event led to the involvement of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and the Red Cross?

The fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Signup and view all the answers

What significant change was prompted by the investigations after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?

The creation of the Bureau of Fire Prevention Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Committee of Public Safety that called for reforms after the tragedy?

Frances Perkins Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the trial against the owners of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory?

They were acquitted on the grounds of reasonable doubt Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was established in 1911 to ensure workplace safety and still exists today?

American Society of Safety Engineers Signup and view all the answers

What legislation did the Factory Investigative Committee help pass after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?

Over 15 laws related to workplace safety Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant achievement of labor unions following their strikes and negotiations?

Implementation of an 8-hour workday Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of the Women's Trade Union League after the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire?

Issuing a call for investigations and memorials Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Industrial Revolution Worker Challenges

Factory, railroad, and mine jobs were dangerous
Workers did not make entire products; they operated machines and assembled parts
Factories lacked ventilation and safety measures. Moving machine parts often lacked guards.
Governments did not regulate safety
Business owners had little incentive for safety. Explosions due to machinery malfunctions were common
Machines were dangerous, cutting body parts.
Emergency equipment and doors malfunctioned
Overhead lights were the only source of light.
Work environments were very loud and smoky
Temperatures were extreme, either too hot or too cold
Unsanitary conditions were common

Industrial Revolution Worker Compensation

Workers earned very low wages, often living below the poverty line
Entire families often had to work
Standard work week was 60+ hours, with 10+ hours per day common
Work days were often 7 days a week
Women were paid 1/2 or 1/3 of what men earned, or even less

Industrial Revolution Workplace Disasters

1888 Mud Run Disaster: 5,000 people at a temperance meeting in Hazelton, PA were injured, and 60 were killed when a train plowed into another.
1907 Monongah Mining Disaster: 365+ miners working in a WV coal seam were killed by an explosion
1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire: Fire in a garment factory resulted in many deaths due to safety and escape issues. This disaster led workers to demand reform.

Labor Union Victories

Strikes, negotiations, and political lobbying led to significant improvements in worker conditions. This included 8-hour workday, the end of child labor, safer working conditions, and fairer pay for women and minorities.

Labor Union Responses & Workplace Reforms

The Committee of Public Safety and led by Frances Perkins was formed to address worker safety issues alongside unions.
Bureau of Fire prevention was created.
Inspection codes and working safety devices, such as hoses and extinguishers, were mandated in buildings.
The United Society of Casualty Inspectors was founded and led to the creation of the American Society of Safety Engineers.
Laws were passed to improve workplace safety, addressing many worker issues.

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Description

Explore the harsh realities faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution. This quiz covers the dangerous working conditions, low wages, and long hours that defined factory, railroad, and mining jobs. Understand the impact of these challenges on the lives of workers and their families.