Question 1: When did the Factory Act, which aimed to improve working conditions, first come into law?

Answer: 1833

Question 2: Name one common health problem faced by workers in Victorian factories.

Answer: Lung diseases

Question 3: Which industry was most notorious for poor working conditions in the 19th century?

Answer: Textile industry

Question 4: List one reason why workers often accepted poor working conditions during this period.

Answer: Lack of alternative employment

Question 5: In what year was the Mines Act passed to improve safety in coal mines?

Answer: 1842

Question 1: Source: 'A factory owner's report claiming that working conditions are acceptable.' What might be the purpose of this source?

Answer: To justify or defend factory conditions to authorities or the public.

Question 2: Who was the likely audience for this report?

Answer: Government officials or factory inspectors.

Question 3: Assess the reliability of this source. What might be a limitation?

Answer: It may be biased to appear more acceptable; it might omit the harsh realities faced by workers.

Question 4: Source: Excerpt from a worker’s diary describing long hours and dangerous conditions. What can this source tell us about workers’ experiences?

Answer: It provides a personal perspective showing that workers faced long hours, unsafe environments, and physical exhaustion.

Question 1: Explain why factory owners initially resisted government regulations on working conditions.

Answer: Factory owners resisted regulations because they believed such laws would increase costs, reduce profits, and limit their control over the workforce, which was essential for industrial growth.

Question 2: Describe how the Factory Acts gradually improved working conditions for children and women.

Answer: The Factory Acts set limits on working hours, prohibited child labour in dangerous conditions, and mandated safer workplaces, leading to gradual improvements in health and safety for vulnerable workers.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the 1842 Mines Act in the context of working conditions.

Answer: The 1842 Mines Act was significant because it prohibited women and children from working underground, marking an important step toward safer and more equitable working environments in hazardous industries.

Question 1: To what extent did government legislation improve working conditions in Victorian Britain?

Answer: Model answer: Government legislation such as the Factory Acts and Mines Act gradually improved working conditions by limiting working hours, banning child labour in dangerous industries, and enforcing safety standards. However, enforcement was often inconsistent, and many workers still faced poor conditions. Overall, legislation was a significant step forward, but social attitudes and economic interests continued to hinder full improvements. The extent of change was substantial but incomplete, reflecting the complex process of social reform during the Victorian era.