What were the northern factories like in the 1860's?

In the 1860s, northern factories were often characterized by large-scale industrialization, driven by the demands of the Civil War and the growth of the economy. They featured steam-powered machinery, assembly lines, and a workforce that included a significant number of immigrants and women, who worked long hours under challenging conditions. Factory life was marked by harsh labor environments, low wages, and occasional labor strikes as workers sought better conditions and rights. Overall, these factories played a crucial role in transforming the northern economy into a manufacturing powerhouse.