Final answer:
The Industrial Revolution greatly impacted children, who were employed in harsh conditions for low wages. Progressives fought for children's safety and education, leading to laws mandating schooling and limiting child labor. Employing children as rock breakers decreases efficiency and raises ethical concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the historical context of the Industrial Revolution, we can infer that children were significantly impacted in various ways. The use of child labor was prevalent due to the demand for cheap labor, where children were employed to perform tasks that were often dangerous and paid poorly. Children worked in factories, mines, and other settings where they were exposed to unsafe working conditions.
Moreover, the period of the Industrial Revolution saw a shift in attitudes towards child labor. Progressive reformers began advocating for the safety and education of children, which eventually led to compulsory education laws and limits on child labor. This shift is highlighted by the reduction in formal wage work by children under the age of fourteen, as new laws in the United States and western and central Europe mandated schooling.
In the context of child labor and efficiency, having children break rocks with hammers as depicted in the scenario provided by the student from Siliguri, India, would likely decrease efficiency when compared to using more appropriate tools or adult labor. Children, due to their lack of strength and potential lack of skill, would not be as fast or effective as adults in breaking rocks.