The British Government,concerned with Working Conditions in the Early 1800s,held

question 16

Multiple Choice

The British government,concerned with working conditions in the early 1800s,held a series of hearings and upon learning of conditions that existed in British factories:

• A) immediately passed a set of labor laws that greatly improved the working conditions and wages of workers in 1830.
• B) expressed sympathy but declared that because of British regulations protecting free market capitalism, nothing could be done.
• C) suggested that workers organize themselves and appeal to the Church of England for relief.
• D) realized the controversial nature of any move to regulate labor, but nevertheless passed several pieces of legislation to prohibit hiring children under the age of nine and to limit the hours worked by those under the age of eighteen.
• E) passed the Reform Bill of 1832, which extended the franchise to all males and most women; the new Parliament elected outlawed child labor and set a minimum, livable wage.