Final answer:
Workers were hurt by the creation of mill towns through separation from their families, inflated prices at company stores, higher taxes, and higher crime rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
Workers were hurt by the creation of mill towns in several ways:
Workers were unable to live with their families: In mill towns, workers were often housed in company-owned boarding houses, separate from their families. This separation disrupted family life and made it difficult for workers to maintain close relationships with their loved ones.
Workers often had to pay inflated prices at company stores: Mill towns typically had company stores, where workers were required to buy their goods. These stores often charged higher prices, putting financial strain on workers and reducing their purchasing power.
The federal government assessed higher taxes on mill villages: The creation of mill towns led to the growth of these villages, which resulted in higher tax assessments by the government. This increased tax burden further strained the finances of workers.
The crime rate in mill villages was higher than in big cities: Due to the crowded and sometimes chaotic living conditions in mill villages, the crime rate was often higher compared to big cities. This posed a direct threat to the safety and well-being of workers.