Question

Why were factory conditions so bad at the start of the Industrial Revolution?

A. Factory owners wanted to maximize profits.

B. Laws were not in place to protect workers.

C. There was too much work and too few workers.

D. Workers were used to poor conditions.

Answer 1

Factory conditions were bad at the start of the Industrial Revolution because of the pursuit of profit by factory owners, absence of worker protection laws, and workers' familiarity with poor conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major cause of the bad factory conditions at the start of the Industrial Revolution was the ruthless pursuit of profit by factory owners and managers. They aimed to simplify the manufacturing process and maximize profits by employing cheap, unskilled labor. This led to harsh work discipline, degradation of craft skills, long hours, low wages, and the exploitation of women and children.

Additionally, there were no laws in place to protect workers during this time. With no regulations or protections, factory owners were able to prioritize their own interests over the welfare of their employees.

It is also important to note that workers were already accustomed to poor conditions, as the factory system brought about a drastic change in their working lives, subjecting them to new and challenging work environments.