Curator

     In class we are learning about the industrial revolution. In order to expand our knowledge on the topic we were split into groups and created posters about different topics during the time. After creating the posters and sharif the information we collected, I came to the realization that the Industrial revolution wasn't all good. There were many aspects that were extremely negative.
     Our group's poster taught about the importance of coal in England during the Industrial Revolution. We included many pictures within our poster that showed were coal was being used the most through out England. We also included how living conditions for the poor were terrible. Since England was over populated, there wasn't enough food as there were mouths to feed. Because of this there were many orphans that were bought and sold to work in the mills. One image we used showed the average full time nominal earning compared to the real earnings in Great Britain. It is very clear that people are barley making enough to support the cost of living, which is an obvious indication of poverty. To add to the bad living conditions, factories are using rivers and streams as fuming grounds which makes the cities and even worse then they are to survive in.
     Group A's exhibit explains how many new innovations and inventions occurred during this time period. Families were able to stay home and work while one person is sent to the mills that will bring home money for the family. Therefore the family at home may also be working and earning more to support themselves. To me, its very surprising that so many new inventions can come out of just a short time period.  Because of these inventions, cotton production was booming.
     Group B's exhibit shows the importance of steam engines during the Industrial Revolution. Although they use an extensive about of coal, railroads supply easy access for trading which in return strengthens the economy and is quicker than water transportation.
      Group D's exhibit shows the harsh treatment towards children during this time. They were forced to work in order to support their families. Even after the factory act of 1833 children were still dangerously working in mines. It surprises me how people thought it was morally just to send small children into mine caves that could potentially cripple them for the rest of their lives. Its sickening how children were forced against their will to do such terrible work.
     Group E's exhibit shows how the increase of cotton goes along with the increase of slavery People during this time were much more focused on rising cotton production being quicker and cheaper than they were with abolishing slavery. Since there were more factories and more machines to be worked, there were more slaves to do these jobs.

"Child Labor in the Cotton Mill." The Industrial Revolution and Colonization. Web. 5 Nov. 2014. <http://tirac.weebly.com/child-labor-in-the-cotton-mill.html>.