The most prominent reason people often think negatively of the standard of living during industrialization is due to health issues from factory and boarding house conditions. However, despite these health conditions, industrialization eventually led to advancements in medicine to address the harmful effects brought about by living in densely populated areas.
Health
It is three past ten, just after curfew, and six young women sit in their shared beds discussing the day’s work over candlelight. The cramped living quarters provide little room for activities when all occupants are present. |
There is a rat cleaning itself in the corner, and mold growing on the walls. Harriet, a worker hunched over in bed, is coughing, and it sounds bad. In these close quarters, if just one person is struck ill, all are at risk.
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This is the lifestyle pictured by many when mill towns are mentioned.