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Men and women work amidst heavy machinery and smoke in a dark 19th-century factory, a 'Danger No Loitering' sign on the brick wall.

Men and women work amidst heavy machinery and smoke in a dark 19th-century factory, a 'Danger No Loitering' sign on the brick wall.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, England became the first industrial nation. However, this progress came at a very high cost for workers. There were almost no laws to protect them, and working conditions were extremely harsh. Factories were often described as “dark satanic mills,” highlighting how dangerous, dirty, and unhealthy they were. ​Workers were forced to work very long hours, often between 14 and 16 hours a day, with few or no breaks. The environment was unsafe, and accidents were frequent. If someone got injured or sick, they risked losing both their job and their income, with no form of support. This created a situation of insecurity and poverty for many families. Mehr sehen