The Factory System

by J.T. Ward

Published in 1970 by David & Charles and collated and written by J. T. Ward, the selection of documents in this volume (volume 2 of 2 books) illustrates the development of the factory system in the 19th Century. The consequences of the factory - the displacement of handwork, the problem of industrial ill health, urban crowding, long working hours, child labour, and hte new industrial discipline - are examined in the first section. Contemporary comments on the agitation for factory reform, in Parliament and in the textile districts form the second part. Thirdly, the established factory system of the mid-century is seen through the writings of liberal-minded employers, academics, journalists, factory inspectors, operatives and politicians. The documents are chosen to provide a balanced section of celebrated and less-known contemporary accounts and are accompanied by editorial comments and a detailed bibliography. Contents: PART ONE: THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE FACTORY SYSTEM: A) Artisans and Machinery; B) Industrial Health; C) The Factory Town; D) Factory Life; E) Visits to the Factories. PART TWO: FACTORY REFORM: F) Child Labour; G) The Leadership of Richard Oastler; H) The Factory Reformers; I) The Ten Hours Bill; J) The Factory Reform Agitation; K) The Propaganda Battle; L) The Later Movement. PART THREE: THE FACTORY SYSTEM AND SOCIETY: M) The Masters' Case; N) The 'Intellectual' Attitude; O) The Operation of Factory Legislation; P) Working-Class Organisations; Q) Changing Views on the Factory System; R) Industry's Triumph; Notes; Index

Unknown Binding

First published October 29, 1970

About the author

John Towers Ward (1930-1987) was Professor of History at the University of Strathclyde. His primary research interest was nineteenth century British politics.