2nd Industrial Revolution
Hunter Floyd
Work Life: Rich vs. Poor
The work life in the late 1800s differed between the rich and the poor. The rich never really embraced the grind of working. However, "the rich got richer." The rich business owners fed off of the production of their hard workers that had long hours, low pay, and were treated bad overall. Also, with new technology, factories were able to mass produce and sell these products faster, making more money for the rich while they sit on their behinds. The poor would have to come to work every day and risk their lives in the factories because of the dangerous conditions. This relationship between the rich business owners and the poor workers would not be acceptable in society today.
Housing: Rich vs. Poor
Housing in the late 1800s also differed between the rich and the poor. The rich were able afford to live in big mansions. They could also afford having personal servants in their houses. These were often family friends. The poor, however, had to live in tiny tenements with multiple families in each. These families would live in a living space no bigger than an average classroom today. Living in these tenements was gross, but also very dangerous.
Lives of Children: Rich vs. Poor
The lives of children of the late 1800s differed between the rich and poor. The rich children were able to attend school and participate in social events. The poor children weren't able to attend schools. They had to spend their time working in the factories to help provide for their families. The poor children could also sale newspapers and do other "less dangerous" jobs. The rich children had the ability to have clean clothes everyday and to not have to worry about their next meal while the poor children do.
Leisure Activities: Rich vs. Poor
Leisure activities in the late 1800s also differed between the rich and the poor. The rich had way more free time than the poor because they didn't necessarily have to work for their money. In their free time, they played sports like tennis, golf, etc. The poor had less free time but still made the most of it. Most poor people liked to spend the little money they had on betting and taking risks. The poor also took part in the "blood sports", which is things like hunting, cockfighting, etc.