Final answer:
The Industrial Revolution led to significantly longer work hours for laborers, often up to 16-hour workdays. However, the subsequent labor movements fought for the establishment of shorter workdays and improved working conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on work hours for laborers. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most workers followed the natural pattern of daylight hours, with longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter. However, with the advent of new machinery and factories, work hours increased significantly for many laborers.
In the early stages of the Industrial Revolution, workers often faced long hours, with 12 to 16-hour workdays, six days a week. They had little control over their working hours and were required to work the number of hours set by their employers. Factory owners were more concerned with maximizing production and profits than worker well-being.
It wasn't until the late 19th century and early 20th century, as labor movements gained momentum, that efforts to limit work hours began. Through collective action and government intervention, laborers fought for shorter workdays and the establishment of the eight-hour workday. While the Industrial Revolution initially led to longer work hours, it eventually sparked movements that aimed to improve the working conditions and hours of laborers.
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