Explain with examples that an average worker in the mid-nineteenth century was not a machine operator but the traditional craftsperson and labourer.

In the mid 19th century the workers were mainly traditional craftsmen, though machines were invented. It is so, because:

• The costs of machines were high. All factory owners were not able to afford these machines in a sufficient number.

• There was a sufficient labour force and the cost of labourers was cheap.

• The aristocratic class preferred hand-made goods. So, labourers were encouraged to make such hand-made items.

• There was a shortage of machines to meet all the requirements. So, some of the tasks were restricted to hand-made production.