Final answer:
The Industrial Revolution brought to the forefront issues of workers' rights, child labor, and the stark contrast in wealth between laborers and factory owners. Some forward-thinking industrialists attempted to address these concerns, but most businesses did not prioritize workers' welfare, leading to the rise of the labor movement for legal protections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Industrial Revolution fundamentally altered the rights of workers by highlighting the need for reforms regarding labor laws, working conditions, and economic equality. As industries grew and factories proliferated, the labor force expanded significantly, including the incorporation of child labor. Employees, including children, worked lengthy hours in hazardous environments for meager wages, while factory owners and investors accrued substantial wealth. This disparity underscored the necessity for a more equitable system to address workers' rights.
Amidst these challenges, some industrialists, like Robert Owen, attempted to create a more humane approach to factory work by implementing educational and social programs for their workers' families. However, despite these singular efforts, most business owners did not accept any responsibility towards their workers beyond paying them for their labor. It became evident that workers' welfare, safety, and fair remuneration were not prioritized, leading to a growing awareness and activism for workers' rights and the birth of the labor movement.
In effect, while workers were 'free' to leave their jobs, the dire circumstances of poverty made many feel that they had little real freedom or choice, as ceasing work often meant facing starvation or homelessness. This highlighted the limited power and rights that workers had in comparison to their employers, fueling the necessity for legal protections to balance this inequality.