The Industrial Revolution (18th–19th century) transformed economies worldwide, but it also led to severe exploitation of child labor. With rapid industrialization, factories, mines, and textile mills sought cheap labor, and children as young as five were put to work in harsh and dangerous conditions.
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Before industrialization, most children worked on family farms or learned trades under apprenticeships. However, the rise of mechanized factories meant that unskilled workers, including children, could operate machines. Factory owners saw an opportunity: children could be paid less than adults, fit into small spaces, and were less likely to protest against poor conditions.
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Children in textile mills worked 12 to 16 hours a day, often in poorly ventilated rooms filled with toxic dust. In coal mines, they crawled through narrow tunnels, carrying heavy loads and inhaling dangerous fumes. Many suffered from lung diseases, stunted growth, and severe injuries. In some cases, children lost fingers or even died due to unsafe machinery.
The abuse of child labor sparked public outrage and reform movements. Social reformers like Charles Dickens exposed these conditions in novels like Oliver Twist, bringing attention to the plight of working children. By the mid-19th century, governments began passing laws to regulate child labor.
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In Britain, the Factory Acts (1833, 1844, 1847) limited working hours, set minimum age requirements, and mandated school attendance. Similar reforms followed in the United States, Germany, and France. By the early 20th century, industrialized nations had strict child labor laws, though enforcement remained inconsistent in some regions.
Despite these reforms, child labor still exists today in some developing nations, especially in industries like agriculture, mining, and garment production. The legacy of the Industrial Revolution reminds us of the importance of workers’ rights and the need for ethical labor practices. While it brought economic growth, it also exposed the dark side of unchecked capitalism, leading to lasting changes in labor laws and human rights.
