Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Labor

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution significantly altered the landscape of work and production. Factories sprung up, particularly in urban areas, drawing large numbers of people from rural settings into cities in search of employment. With this shift, the nature of labor changed, as did the relationship between workers and their employers. The rise of factories also led to the birth of labor unions as workers sought to improve their conditions and secure better wages. This period saw not only economic transformation but also social changes, as the traditional roles of families were challenged. The family unit, once a self-sufficient unit producing its own goods, became increasingly dependent on wages earned from industrial jobs. As a result, children and women began to enter the workforce in significant numbers, often taking on jobs in factories for long hours and minimal pay.