The change from agrarian manufacturing to manufacturing with machines brought many changes to the living and working conditions of many people. Many people began to move to cities to find jobs and the overall population of Britain increased. Those who were poor faced the disadvantages of living in overcrowded environments, being sent to work in factories at young ages, and woman were faced with working long hours at factories being paid a very low amount (British Museum). Those who were wealthy enjoyed the benefits of new prosperity and were able to spend time and money on leisurely activities. The horrid working and living conditions of the poor and working also led to the creation of trade unions to protest against the unfair pay and treatment
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These unions began during the Industrial Revolution because of the horrendous conditions in which the laborers were expected to work, and the “rising fear in the craft associations of the time, who feared encroachment on their established jobs, wage changes, and workforce restructuring” (New World Encyclopedia). Most governments during this time made it illegal for workers to unionize, and Britain was no different. Britain introduced the Combination Acts in 1799 and 1800 which made it illegal for workers to combine and ask for better working conditions. Even with these acts in place, workers continued to protest for better pay and working conditions which made the Trade unions grow rapidly. A group called the Luddites began to protest violently by burning and destroying factories which caused the British Parliament to repeal the Combination Acts in 1824. The abolishment of the Combination Acts led to representatives from trade unions to take part in politics and nationwide trade unions, but employers were still reluctant to treat the representatives as equals. Trade unions became popular during the Industrial Revolution and led to workers having more influence on labor laws, but the Industrial Revolution also led to changes in social
These unions began during the Industrial Revolution because of the horrendous conditions in which the laborers were expected to work, and the “rising fear in the craft associations of the time, who feared encroachment on their established jobs, wage changes, and workforce restructuring” (New World Encyclopedia). Most governments during this time made it illegal for workers to unionize, and Britain was no different. Britain introduced the Combination Acts in 1799 and 1800 which made it illegal for workers to combine and ask for better working conditions. Even with these acts in place, workers continued to protest for better pay and working conditions which made the Trade unions grow rapidly. A group called the Luddites began to protest violently by burning and destroying factories which caused the British Parliament to repeal the Combination Acts in 1824. The abolishment of the Combination Acts led to representatives from trade unions to take part in politics and nationwide trade unions, but employers were still reluctant to treat the representatives as equals. Trade unions became popular during the Industrial Revolution and led to workers having more influence on labor laws, but the Industrial Revolution also led to changes in social