Children During the Industrialization Era: At Work and Play

Life for city children was often difficult.  Many families were poor and they needed help from the children to support them.  During the industrial age, children, even as young as five years old, had to work.   Many workers were legally too young to be employed.  Inspectors often turned the other way because they were bribed by the factories.  Many children were injured at work.  Many accidents happened because children were often exhausted from lack of sleep and poor diets.  Many children lost fingers, hands, and feet in the machinery.  Factory fires were common and many workers died.  And remember, when the children were working, they were missing out on an important experience... they were missing an education!

Questions:

1. Looking at the photos, why do you think these children chose to work?  What were the positives from their work experience?
2. Looking at the photos,  what negative aspects are there related to working as a young child?

Source: Factory Girl B. Greenwood, Kids Can Press, 2007