The Rise of Factories:
* Industrial Revolution: Dickens witnessed the rapid growth of factories driven by steam power and new technologies. This led to mass production and the concentration of workers in urban areas.
* Factory Conditions: Factory work was notoriously harsh. Long hours (often 12-16 hours a day), low wages, dangerous conditions, and lack of safety regulations were commonplace.
* Child Labor: Children as young as five were employed in factories and mines, often suffering from injuries and illnesses. Dickens himself worked in a blacking factory as a child, which deeply influenced his writing.
Urbanization and Poverty:
* Population Boom: The industrial revolution led to a massive influx of people from rural areas into cities, creating overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
* Poverty and Inequality: While some thrived, the majority of workers lived in poverty. Lack of housing, food, healthcare, and education were widespread.
* Slum Life: Dickens vividly portrayed the squalor of slums in his novels, where disease, crime, and despair were prevalent.
Social and Political Concerns:
* Class Divide: The new industry created a clear divide between the wealthy industrialists and the working class, leading to social unrest and calls for reform.
* Social Movements: Dickens' writings contributed to the rise of social movements advocating for workers' rights, improved living conditions, and education for the poor.
* Government Response: The government was slow to address the issues of industrialization, but over time, some reforms were implemented, such as the Factory Acts to regulate child labor.
Impact on Dickens' Writing:
* Social Commentary: Dickens used his novels to expose the harsh realities of industrial life, portraying the struggles of the working class and criticizing social injustices.
* Characters and Themes: His characters, like Oliver Twist, Little Dorrit, and Scrooge, exemplify the struggles of poverty, exploitation, and the need for compassion.
* Influence on Reform: Dickens' writings raised awareness of social issues and contributed to the movement for social reform, influencing legislation and public opinion.
Overall:
Life in the "New Industry" during Dickens' time was a stark contrast between wealth and poverty, progress and hardship. Dickens' work captured the anxieties and complexities of this era, providing a lasting commentary on the human cost of industrialization and the urgent need for social justice.