Industrial Revolution Expository Writing Portfolio
Activity 1: Journal Entries from the Factory Worker
Journal Entry 1: Date: June 5, 1845
Today was my first day working in the textile factory. I arrived before sunrise, and the air was cool, but inside the factory, it was stifling and hot. My job is to operate the spinning machines, and I am terrified of the loud noise they make, drowning out all thoughts. The machines spin and whir relentless, and I have to keep my fingers nimble to avoid getting caught. I can already feel the fatigue setting in. My hands are raw from handling the cotton all day. I wish I could go home and rest, but I have to keep working for the sake of my family.
Journal Entry 2: Date: July 20, 1845
I’ve been working at the factory for over a month now, and every day feels like a battle against exhaustion. The work is tedious, and it seems to stretch on endlessly. The foreman shouts if we don't keep up with the machines, and the constant threat of punishment looms overhead. I see children no older than ten working alongside me, their small hands maneuvering parts they can barely reach. I sometimes feel an aching sadness when I see them, knowing they should be at play, not toiling like adults.
Journal Entry 3: Date: August 15, 1845
Today was particularly grueling. My friend Mary collapsed from exhaustion during her shift, and we had to call for a supervisor. They showed no concern and told us to get back to work. It's appalling that our worth is reduced to labor and production. I overheard some workers discussing forming a union to demand better conditions, and I find myself torn between hope and fear. If we speak out, we risk losing our jobs. Yet, I worry about the toll this work is taking on my health and my spirit.
Activity 2: Newspaper Article on Child Labor
Headline: “Exploited Innocence: The Harsh Reality of Child Labor in Our Factories”
Date: August 22, 1845
As the sun rises over our bustling city, it brings not just the promise of a new day, but also the cries of young boys and girls as they make their way to the factories that have become their prison. The Industrial Revolution has transformed our society, but at what cost? Children as young as five years old are forced to labor in hazardous conditions, subjected to long hours, minimal pay, and constant danger.
The life of a child laborer is fraught with peril. Inside the textile mills, they operate dangerous machinery, with little regard for safety. Accidents are common, and injuries go untreated due to the lack of medical attention. Reports of respiratory problems from the dust-filled air and incessant coughing among these children are frequently overlooked by factory owners who prioritize profit above all else.
But what can be done to bring attention to this humanitarian crisis? Citizens must demand reforms; we must lobby for regulations that protect children and ensure their right to education, untainted by the need to earn a living. The time has come to shine a light on their plight, to hold factory owners accountable, and to advocate for better working conditions. Join us in the call for compassion, justice, and humanity toward those most vulnerable.
Works Cited
- Stearns, Peter N. The Industrial Revolution in World History. Westview Press, 2013.
- Whitford, David. “The Horrors of Child Labor During The Industrial Revolution.” History Today, vol. 65, no. 4, 2015, pp. 22-29.
- Thompson, E.P. The Making of the English Working Class. Vintage, 2013.
This portfolio provides a creative exploration of the Industrial Revolution's impact, highlighting personal experiences in factory life and the grave issue of child labor. Each activity reflects the struggles and realities faced during this transformative period in history.