Essay question for Friday- chapter 9 TEST Due at the beginning of class

Why did workers in the late 1800s and early 1900s like the idea of communism as an alternative to capitalism?

STEP 1

Start by describing the working and living conditions of industrial cities that caused frustration.

Working conditions

· 1. Long hours

· 2. Low wages

· 3. No benefits (medical care, workers compensation)

· 4. Unsafe factories (dangerous)

Living conditions

· 1. Sickness, disease

· 2. Overcrowded, not enough housing

· 3. Unsanitary, dirty

· 4.

STEP 2

Explain how the profits (money) created was distributed.

· Owners became wealthy while workers made very little

· To increase profit, owners increased hours and cut pay

STEP 3

Explain the philosophy of communism. (pg 303)

· How will communism help workers to improve their working and living conditions

· Example – government control over factory hours, pay, conditions, not private individuals with self interest