Before the industrial revolution, people in America manufactured often in homes using handtools or basic machines. Prior to the industrial revolution most people spent their lives working as farmers. Those who had school only had school during winter for eight years, the young ones were taught the basics like reading and writing and some math. As the kids grow they were expected to work for their family by running errands, carrying water, bringing in firewood, tending younger brothers and sisters. Boys learned how to do the “manly” work such as milking the cows, feeding the pigs, and cleaning stables. When boys reached their teen years they went to get a job because it was their duty, sometimes they were forced by their parents. Girls then helped their mom out by making food, sewing, and cleaning. Those men who were lucky and fortunate owned land and used to have their own business of some sort. The ones that didn’t have money worked for others their whole life. The women did all the necessities such as feeding, clothing, and taking care of their family. If one got injured during work they would get no income, sometimes their master or friends would help pay for treatment by a doctor. There were no no laws that protected the workers jobs, so they could get fired at any time and worked for whatever the boss thought was a good amount unless, a labor shortage allowed them to get paid more. |
|