Concetti Chiave
- During the Victorian Age, children from poor families worked long hours in factories with no insurance or support, often facing harsh conditions.
- Living conditions for these children were dire, with many residing near factories or on the streets in unhealthy environments, leading to high mortality rates.
- Children from impoverished backgrounds suffered from poor nutrition and were vulnerable to diseases like cholera and tuberculosis.
- In contrast, wealthy children lived comfortably, enjoying leisure activities and receiving education at prestigious schools.
- The Education Act of 1870 marked a significant change, mandating education for all children aged 5 to 13, although educational opportunities differed for boys and girls.
Difficult Life of Victorian Children
During the Victorian Age (1837-1901) children had an unhappy life. They worked hard to help their parents because families were very poor. They were often forced to work as soon as they could walk. They worked in factories for twelve to sixteen hours a day, for six days a week. There was no insurance and when children had accidents they didn't have any help. They couldn't talk, sit or look out of the window while they worked.
Living and Working Conditions
They lived near factories and in unhealthy flats or in suburbs with poor hygiene. Sometimes children worked and lived on the streets. Many were orphans, others were simply neglected. They worked very long hours for very little money. They sold matches, firewood, buttons and flowers or polished shoes.
Children had bad nutrition. They ate some bread, pork, milk or cheese. This favored infant mortality and diseases. In 1830 children could become ill with cholera when they drank water. Conditions of life were very difficult, especially in London where streets were dirty and the Industrial Revolution caused pollution. Children lived in the street and many of them were very ill. They often had tuberculosis. The rate of mortality was very high.
Life of Wealthy Children
Rich children (sons of bankers, merchants or industrials) lived in beautiful suburbs, sometimes in private hotels. They didn't need to work; they went on holidays, were clean and well dressed.They played with toy soldiers and marbles, rocking horses and train sets. Also in this period icicles began to be very popular. Girls played especially with Rich children went to famous schools like Eton where education was very strict.Typical lessons at school included the three RS: Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. Once a week the children learned Geography, History and Singing. The girls didn't have the same education as boys. They learned how to sew and how to become good wives and mothers.
Only in 1870, thanks to the Education Act, school was for all children between the age of 5 and 13.
Domande da interrogazione
- What were the working conditions like for children during the Victorian Age?
During the Victorian Age, children worked in harsh conditions, often starting as soon as they could walk. They labored in factories for twelve to sixteen hours a day, six days a week, without insurance or support in case of accidents. They were not allowed to talk, sit, or look out of the window while working.
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