Robert Owen: a better way to run a factory?

Robet Owen

• Robert Owen was born in 1771 in wales. He was the son of a tradesman

• He receive some schooling and then worked in a draper’s shop selling cloth

• In 1787 he moved to Manchester. He did well becoming the manager of large spinning mill when he was 20 years old

Owen ran the mills very successfully and made large profits. But he decided that he needed to improve conditions at the factory, especially for the children

Robert Owen believed that if factory owners treated their workers better they would work better.

Robert Owen believed that it would be better if everyone helped each other rather than trying to do better than each other.

In 1824 he went to USA to spread his ideas. He spent £40,000 but it was a failure.

In 1829 he came back to Britain and set up a trade union. The trade union would help workers fight for better pay. He died in 1858.

What Robert Owen believe

He believed in factory reform, adult suffrage and the development of successful trade union

He feels bad about the kids who suffered so he wanted to make the factory comfortable and treat them nicely

He feels bad about the children because before they are treated badly and some became deformed and didn’t get proper education.

Robert Owen ideas

• But his boss

• Factory owners treated their workers better they would work better, and the factory owners would make bigger profits• He also thought by improving the environment and improving education, he would improve the character of his workers