altogether, or to diminish its cost, by substituting the
industry of women and children for that of men; or that of
ordinary labourers for trained artisans. ... The effect of
substituting the self-acting mule for the common mule, is
to discharge the greater part of the men spinners, and to
retain adolescents and children. The proprietor of a factory
near Stockport states, in evidence to the commissioners,
that, by such substitution, he would save 501. A week in
wages in consequence of dispensing with nearly forty
male spinners, at about 25s. of wages each....
OA. The poor working conditions in factories caused many workers to
quit, and business owners wanted to find new ways to mass
produce goods.
OB. Workers were able to produce higher-quality goods than
machinery, and business owners wanted to develop ways to
improve technology.
O C. Factory workers had gone on strike to protest low wages, and
business owners wanted to explain their practices to gain public
support.
OD. Industrialization led to a manufacturing-based economy, and
business owners were looking to maximize their profits.