Socratic seminar Feedback

     In today's class, we discussed many facts, information and other questions about Child Labor today. 

     One of the three points I brought up in the discussion was why child labor? Why not adult labor? Most of the machines are used for small children fingers, such as small cigarettes, and picking small berries from plants. Another question I had was: Why would these children risk their life for work? Well, most of their families don't have money, and if they don't have a family, the orphan will work for as little to money at all. One of the last points I brought to the seminar was: Where are most of these children working? Most of the kids are working in fields out in the Midwest, but otherwise in foreign country's. 

     Other key points brought up by other students that I found interesting left me thinking. For instance the question: who would want to work for little to no money? To be brief, most children's parents can't get the money on their own so they need help. Another comment was: would you buy products made from child labor? I wouldn't.. Because without paying the company the company then fails. But if the children really needed the money, I would buy because they need a profit. One last point that hit me was when a student brought up how if we are working at such a young age (15-16 years old) is it considered child labor? I'd say no for a couple reasons. In reality, most of us, in Reading MA, especially have enough money to survive. I believe that child labor is described for those only who are poor. 

     Overall, I think that the discussion was on topic and a great success. Our group discused topics clearly and to the point. Also many of the students all had somthing to say, leading the seminar to be less then a seminar, and more like a conversation. To improve the seminars overall experience, I would have everyone talk. Even if not everyone talked, it would have been good to here everyone. Also, I think that we should have more time to talk to get our point across. Most of the time, other students would get cut off by others considering our time constraint. To conclude, the seminar was a great success and should be done again!

Industrial city inspectors report

City Inspectors Report

This report dated 1840 has been provided for the urban planning committees of various cities and England. My name is David, and as a mid level city inspector i trust that you will use this information within to determine appropriate needs in urban planning for your manipulative. My report has been through as I have used all sources available to me and to have work to guide you through my own analysis and critical thinking to a full description of the issues facing our cities.

    Some of the Impact from the impact of industrialization was on life and work in the cities was positive. From the Cotton mill, John Jones expressed his feelings for the factory. “Everyone is happy” and “The mills are great, along with the beautiful scenic castles” (Doc B). Along with W.C. Taylor, “People aren't affected” at the Manufacturing districts Lancashire. (Doc E). Throughout the city of Manchester these two factories had the most positive remarks.

    According to my inspections, the three other factories had negative reports. In the British factory described in (Doc A), it is very smokey and hard to breathe. As well as the factories in documents (C and D), the factories are not safe and cause harm to the workers. The factory (Doc C) is described as foggy and very dirty air. Factory (Doc D.) shows the harm which is done to the workers. Many children and men with distorted limbs and dark eyes. Bad back posture and very dangerous machines throughout. Overall, factories (C and D) have negative reports and must be changed.

    Overall, based on the sources provided, I think that the industrialization had more of a negative impact on living and working. Through the factories, only a few exceptions were allowed. Besides the OK working conditions and the OK surrounding machines, not much was impressive. Document D, is what led me to this conclusion. People and especially young children should not be working in overly dangerous areas. It is not ok for children at the age of 8 to already start to have back problems and wrinkles under their eyes. Overall, the Industrialization period was the opposite of a success.