Final answer:
During the Industrial Revolution, child labor consisted of long hours, low pay, and hazardous conditions. Some reform attempts were made, such as the Factory Act of 1833, but substantial changes did not come about until much later. The situation highlights the harsh realities faced by working-class children of the era.
Step-by-step explanation:
Child Labor During the Industrial Revolution
Child labor during the Industrial Revolution was both arduous and prevalent. Children as young as five were employed in various industries, including textiles, coal mining, and machinery. They were forced to work long hours, often six days a week with only Sunday off, and in dangerous conditions. With minimal to non-existent labor laws during the early period of the Industrial Revolution, there were no protections for the health and well-being of child workers.
Reformers like Michael Sadler, and later legislative acts such as the Factory Act of 1833, began to address these inhumane conditions by limiting working hours and setting age restrictions. However, even with some laws in place, conditions remained harsh for many working-class children, and families often depended on their income. The Industrial Revolution's impact on children was severe, with many children lacking education and facing dire economic circumstances that forced them into labor.
While Great Britain led the way in eliminating child labor with laws like the Factory Act of 1819, the economic necessity for families and the demand for cheap labor meant that many of these laws were not enforced strictly. The condition of child workers did not see significant improvements until well into the twentieth century when more effective legislation and social reforms were enacted.