Why were so many women and children work in mills and factories in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, many women and children worked in mills and factories due to economic necessity. Families relied on multiple incomes to survive, and industrial jobs often provided better pay than traditional agricultural work. Additionally, factories sought cheap labor, making women and children attractive hires because they could be paid less than men. The lack of labor regulations and the demand for workers in rapidly growing industries further contributed to their prevalence in these roles.