Life in the mid
1800s, was a struggle of hard work between the rich and poor. The 1800s, known as the Victorian Age, was an age known for
scientific and technological discoveries. The history of the industrial revolution, brought together machines and hard working
people. The mid 1800s flourished with the industrialization which also became known in Western Europe and in northeast America.
New machines replaced handwork which developed factories and by 1851, half of Britain’s population had resided a home
in London in search of work and prosperity.
THE
WORKING/LOWER CLASS
Factory
owners were in desperate need of workers which gave many opportunities for people who sought for better paid jobs. Because
many factory owners always needed workers, they began building houses for them. When housing was no longer available, families
began living in lodging houses.
The technological
discoveries birthed child labor in this Victorian Age. Children even at the age of four or five years old began to work in
order for parents to collect their wages. Children worked in textile mills, coal mines, and many factories. Orphans who worked
at the age barely could afford food. Families who lived in poverty on the countryside also sent their children to work. Children
from seven to eight years old were given odd jobs such as being bird scarers and chimney cleaners. When tragic accidents increased,
the Government finally decided to pass the Mines Act in 1842. This ended all employment for females and boys under the age
of 12. Unfortunately, factory owners continued to hire orphans. Eventually the government decided that children should be
left alone and not be expected to earn for a living.
London
unexpectedly crowded which resulted in poor housing conditions. Houses were then being built ‘back-to-back’ without
windows and zero backyards causing the streets to become narrow.
Photo provided by http://www.valendale.myby.co.uk/houses.html
The industrial revolution was beneficial for the world. In addition to the scientific and
technological discoveries, banks were founded. By 1800, 50 more banks were founded in London. Unfortunately along with the
industrial revolution, its consequences have left critical problems that still exist today, such as air and water pollution.
THE UPPER/MIDDLE CLASS
Upper and middle class families in the mid 1800s
had to learn to know their place in the family. The family were usually pretty large with about 7-8 people in a family. The
father is usually to be obeyed as he was known to be strict and demanding. When the father needed time to himself he would
escape to his study room where family members were not to bother him but only allowed with his permission.
One would think that it would be the mother to bring
up the children but it is the nanny that is assigned that job. The nanny teaches the children how to behave while the
mother usually teaches them to read and write. The children are brought up to the nursery and most often taken care of
by their nanny. They were expected to be an early riser as sleeping in was thought to be a sin. As the children grow older,
the boys are sent away to school as the girls are at home with the mother.
The service in the household were completed with the
servants. The most important were the butler and the cook. These two were responsible for the reputation of the household.
The cook had taken care of the grocery shopping, meal planning, and kitchen work. While at work, these servants are fortunate
with having a place to live.
