How long was a work day in the 1800s?

In the late 1700s, when most Americans worked on farms or in small family business, the average full-time worker spent six days – a total of 72 hours a week, – on the job.

How long was the standard work day in the 19th century?

10-18 hours per day
With little representation, education, or options, factory workers also tended to work in horrible working conditions to go along with the bad hours. The typical work day at this time lasted anywhere from 10-18 hours per day, six days a week. This all began to change in the 19th century.

How long was the average work day during the Industrial Revolution?

between 14-16 hours a day
With the industrial revolution, work ceased to be seasonal and limited by daylight hours, as it had in the past. Factory owners were reluctant to leave their machinery idle, and in the 19th century, it was common for working hours to be between 14-16 hours a day, 6 days a week.

When did the 5 day work week start?

1908
In 1908, the first five-day workweek in the United States was instituted by a New England cotton mill so that Jewish workers would not have to work on the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday. In 1926, Henry Ford began shutting down his automotive factories for all of Saturday and Sunday.

When did us work 5 days a week?

September 25, 1926: Ford Motor Companies adopted a five-day, 40-hour workweek. June 25, 1938: Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act, which limited the workweek to 44 hours. June 26, 1940: Congress amended the Fair Labor Standards Act, limiting the workweek to 40 hours.

Who introduced the 8 hour work day?

In 1926, as many history scholars know, Henry Ford — possibly influenced by US labor unions — instituted an eight-hour work day for some of his employees. Because of Ford’s stature, the move stimulated a national discussion.

When did 8 hour workday became law?

8-Hour Work Day. On August 20, 1866, the newly organized National Labor Union called on Congress to mandate an eight-hour workday.

When was the 8 hour work day established?

8-Hour Work Day. On August 20, 1866, the newly organized National Labor Union called on Congress to mandate an eight-hour workday. A coalition of skilled and unskilled workers, farmers, and reformers, the National Labor Union was created to pressure Congress to enact labor reforms.

What were work hours before 1926?

CEO Henry Ford first instituted a six-day, 48-hour workweek for male factory workers in 1914, according to History.com. In 1926, a five-day, 40-hour workweek was extended to all employees, along with a pay raise.

How long were working hours in the Industrial Revolution?

between 12 and 16 hours per day
Examples of Industrial Revolution Working Conditions Most people worked between 12 and 16 hours per day, six days a week, without any paid holidays or vacation.

In what year was the 10 hour working day introduced in Britain?

1847
The movement for shorter hours began almost with the formation of unions but met with great employer resistance. In Britain it was not until 1847 that an effective limit of 10 hours per day was placed upon the factory employment of women and children.