Women in London
Slavery In London
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Despite rampant slavery in London during this time period, it was often not talked about or recorded for many reasons. Two of the main reasons were an increase in the distaste for slavery through this time period and that books and journals written by slaves were not published. Accounts, therefore, were passed down or were recovered by historians. The ending of slave trade did not bring the end of slavery. Those already enslaved or born from slaves remained enslaved. When treated decently, slaves worked to retain their more humane environment as they did not have any control over who owned them, how they were treated, or what jobs they performed. In extremely abusive environments, slaves often tried to run away from their owners and the abuse. If they were caught they were often killed, physically assaulted, or sold away. Those who were enslaved also often experienced sexual abuse and harassment from their male owners. Once slavery was abolished women often sought jobs in prostitution as they felt it was one of the most accessible jobs for them. Society also hyper-sexualized women further pushing them into the trade. Although this happened primarily with enslaved women, it also happened with free women as they found it was often felt like the most accessible way for them to make money to support their families. Within enslaved work, the majority of women were often put to work in sugar fields in London and forced to work long hours.
London had a dramatic increase in population during the 1700s due to the economic prosperity created by the industrial revolution.
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By 1750 domestic manufacturing, the production of handcrafted goods and familial trades-work had almost completely stopped.
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In the mid 18th century 2 out of 3 men and 2 out 5 women were literate.
Men were opted for industry because they were considered easier to control and discipline.
Life in London
Women in Industry
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