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The Emergence of The Working Working Class

The 19th century saw the emergence of the working class as a significant social force due to the Industrial Revolution, which led to rapid urbanization and harsh working conditions. Workers faced dangerous environments and overcrowded living situations, prompting resistance and the formation of labor movements and unions. Their struggles resulted in early reforms like the Factory Acts and social welfare programs, laying the groundwork for modern labor rights.

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24 views6 pages

The Emergence of The Working Working Class

The 19th century saw the emergence of the working class as a significant social force due to the Industrial Revolution, which led to rapid urbanization and harsh working conditions. Workers faced dangerous environments and overcrowded living situations, prompting resistance and the formation of labor movements and unions. Their struggles resulted in early reforms like the Factory Acts and social welfare programs, laying the groundwork for modern labor rights.

Uploaded by

ykyashayadav
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Emergence of the Working

Working Class
The 19th century was a time of steam engines and factories. Cities were
expanding at an unprecedented pace. Behind this progress was a new social
force: the working class. They shaped modern Europe through their labor. They
also struggled for rights and a better future.
Industrial Revolution & Birth of the Working Class
Factories Class Struggles

The Industrial Revolution turned the world upside down. People The 19th century saw the birth of a new working class. They
moved to cities for work in industries like textiles and steel. Cities survived by selling their labor in harsh conditions. This was the
like Manchester and Paris grew rapidly. reality for millions.
Working and Living Conditions

Dangerous Work
Factories had dust, deafening machines, and long hours. Men, women,
and children toiled up to 16 hours a day. Safety measures were almost
nonexistent.

Overcrowded Slums
Overcrowded slums lacked clean air and water. Cholera and
tuberculosis outbreaks were frequent. Families were crammed into
one-room apartments.
Rise of Labor Movements &
Socialism
Resistance
Workers didn't stay silent. Exploitation grew, and so did resistance. The
1848 Revolutions had strong worker involvement.

Revolutionary Ideas
“The Communist Manifesto” called workers to unite. This idea gained
traction across Europe.

Unions Formed
Unions began forming, despite government bans. Strikes became
weapons for change.
Workers’ Rights and Early Reforms

Factory Acts
The British Factory Acts limited child labor and reduced working
hours.

Social Welfare
Germany introduced social welfare programs. This was the first
social security system.

Political Parties
Political parties like the Labour Party fought for workers’ rights.
Legacy of the Working Class
The 19th-century working class was more than just a labor force. They shaped
the labor rights we have today.

Their fight reminds us that progress doesn’t come easily. Remember these hard-
fought victories.

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