Question

Why did some industrialists in nineteenth-century Europe prefer hand labour over machines?

Answer 1

• In Victorian Britain, there was no shortage of labour.
• Industrialists did not face the problem of high wages or shortage of labour force.
• In search of jobs, vagrants and peasants moved to cities in large numbers.
• Hence when there is an excessive labour force, naturally the wages are low.
• If industrialists had to introduce machines, then a huge cost would have to be incurred for buying machines in addition to removal of cheap hand labour. Hence Industrialists preferred hand labour over machines.
• In countries like the US, in the mid 19th century, mechanical power was preferred as there was a shortage of labour but Britain had an ample labour force.

Preference for Hand Labour – Seasonal Demand for Labour

The demand for labour was seasonal in many industries. Examples are mentioned below:

• Ships were repaired during the months of winter.
• Breweries and Gas works demanded more labour force during the Cold months.
• To meet the demand of Christmas festivities, printers and book binding businesses needed extra labour before December.

Hence in all the industries where the demand for labour kept fluctuating based on seasons, industrialists preferred to have hand labour over the machines, because apart from the cost factor, the machines would idle during off seasons.

Products Requiring Variety of Shapes and Designs

• Machines were of benefit while producing standardised goods for mass markets, for example uniforms.
• Only hand labour could produce a range of products with different shapes and designs and these products had very high demand.
• 45 kinds of axes, 500 varieties of hammers were produced in mid 19th century Britain. This was possible only through human skills and mechanical technology could not be used for this purpose.
• Handmade products came to symbolise class and refinement.
• They were carefully designed, individually produced and better finished.
• The bourgeoisie and the aristocrats (upper classes) in Victorian Britain, preferred handmade products.