This is a test.
Reformers
NCSS Content Standards:
2b. Identify and use key concepts such as chronology, causality, change, conflict, and complexity to explain, analyze, and show connections among patterns of historical change and continuity.
2c. Identify and describe selected historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures, such as the rise of civilizations, the development of transportation systems, the growth and breakdown of colonial systems, and others.
2c. Identify and describe selected historical periods and patterns of change within and across cultures, such as the rise of civilizations, the development of transportation systems, the growth and breakdown of colonial systems, and others.
5a. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts such as role, status, and social class in describing the interactions of individuals and social groups.
5b. Analyze group and institutional influences on people, events, and elements of culture.
While there were many troubling issues of the Industrial Revolution, a group of people collectively known as reformers strived to make a difference. One group of reformers were unions. Unions fought to unite the workers in order to end the evils of the factory system or what is sometimes called the sweating system. Posters like the one above were found in industrial cities in order to inspire workers to unite, go on strike, protest and petition. The hopes of these efforts were that factory owners and governments would see the hardships workers endured and make changes.
Trying to Make a Change
Above is a picture of workers from the Industrial Revolution marching in protest of factory life. Below there is a worksheet to complete that requires you to take the role of a union leader and try to fix the problems people faced during this time period.
Change comes with time
At the birth of the Industrial Revolution the role of reformers was small. However, as the Industrial Revolution progressed, the need for reformers grew since the hardships people endured became part of daily life. At first the reformers were able to make changes on a small scale like in specific factories. As time went on and their influence grew larger, eventually they grabbed the attention of governments who were able to make wide scale changes throughout an entire nation. Below is a link to the many factory acts that were created to end workers' hardships. Read the factory acts and post in the discussion board below which act you believe was the most important. Use specific points from the act to support your position.
https://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/IRchild.main.htm