Child Labor In The 1800s

In the 1800's the production Industry developed on an extensive scale and the mechanization of industry resulted in the abuse of children who were forced to work in terrible conditions in factories, mines and mills. The poor treatment of young employees brought attention to the issue of child labor. The sources above are a few examples of the severity of working conditions for children in the 1800's. Although they all discuss or represent child labor, the pictures offer a different view of the issue than the letter does. The first picture, at first glance, seems innocent, but if examined closely the boys expresion speaks a thousand words. The second picture tells less of a story about the subject of the snapshot, but it exposes a snippet of the working conditions of the time. The letter from the girl to her father gives examples of the brutality that children in the production industry faced. Each source above offers a different outlook on the 1800's, and the
The girls letter presents an insider's view of the child labor issue. She describes several incidents that result in the death or serious injury of children that work with her. The young girl attempts to reassure her father by writing that she is lucky enough not to be burdened with the hard labor. Her letter opens a door for outsiders to see into the harsh reality that many children lived in during that time. It also offers a view on what family life was like in the 1800's. Here is a young girl writing to her father as she works long hours to contribute to the family. She also informs her father that the work at that particular factory is good work, and that her younger sister should join her. The things that these kids had to endure is unthinkable. The letter of the young girl gives its readers an idea of what life was like for the children caught up in an adults