Why did factory owners choose to hire children during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, factory owners opted to hire children primarily because they represented a cheaper labor force compared to adults. The economic conditions of the time meant that factory owners were focused on maximizing profits and minimizing expenses. Children often received significantly lower wages than adults, which made them more appealing to employers looking to cut costs.

In addition, children were seen as more manageable and less likely to organize for better working conditions or higher pay, making them an attractive option for factory owners interested in maintaining control over their workers. The pay disparity also reflected the social and economic norms of the era, which did not prioritize the welfare of child workers.

While children might have worked long hours, their ability to do so was often at the expense of their health and well-being. The notion that they had a higher skill level or were preferred specifically for their strength does not align with historical evidence; most factory work during this period relied on repetitive tasks that did not require advanced skills or significant physical strength, thus further explaining why children were employed due to their cost-effectiveness.