Final answer:
Factory life in the late 1800s was characterized by dangerous and unhealthy conditions, low wages, and exploitation, including the use of child labor. Despite these hardships, some workers preferred factory work to lower-paying agricultural jobs. Change came slowly, with improved laws and regulations not being introduced until well into the 20th century. The correct answer is option 3.
Step-by-step explanation:
The late 1800s was a period of rapid industrialization, marked by the growth of factories and a workforce to man them. What is clear from historical accounts is that factory life during this time was often characterized by unhealthy and dangerous working conditions. These conditions included hazardous environments, harmful exposures, and risks of severe injury from machinery. Wages, including for child labor, were typically very low, and workweeks were long and grueling. There were few laws to protect workers, and the safety measures we are familiar with today were virtually non-existent, leading to frequent accidents and even fatalities.
While some workers found factory employment preferable to other forms of labor, largely due to the slightly higher wages compared to agricultural work, the overall quality of life for factory workers was quite dismal. Reformers and labor movements eventually began to advocate for better working conditions, an effort that would slowly lead to improvements and protective legislation in the 20th century. However, during the late 1800s, such legislation was largely absent, contributing to a grim reality for many industrial workers.