Context

• What was the industrial revolution characterized by in Britain?

  Transition from rural farming to manufacturing
• What were the conditions like inside factories during the industrial revolution?

  They were often very bad and dangerous
• What happened to the population as many factories opened?

  Millions moved to cities for work
• How did the wealth of businessmen and factory owners compare to factory workers?

  Businessmen became rich, workers were poor
• Where did many migrants live in London?

  In slums of overcrowded cheap housing
• What caused the rapid growth of the population in cities?

  Migration from the country to the city
• How were children treated by wealthy factory owners during the industrial revolution?

  They were exploited for labor
• What major issues arose due to poor living conditions in London?

  Sewage problems and rapid disease spread
• What was a significant problem caused by the increase in population?

  Food became much more expensive
• How did many people view the poor during the Victorian era?

  As idle and lazy
• What was Dickens' belief regarding wealth?

  Wealth isn't the only thing that matters
• What personal experience did Dickens have with poverty?

  He worked in a workhouse at 12
• What did many rich people believe about their taxes and helping the poor?

  Taxes were enough to help the poor
• Who shared views with Malthus regarding poverty?

  Many rich people and politicians
• What did Malthus and others think about existing poor laws?

  They were too charitable and encouraged laziness
• What was the purpose of the new poor law created in 1834?

  Unemployed had to enter workhouses for aid
• What were the conditions like in workhouses?

  Harsh, with hard work and family separation
• How did Dickens use "A Christmas Carol" to address poverty?

  He contrasted Scrooge's wealth with Cratchit's poverty
• What moral code did people believe was necessary to be a good Christian?

  Attend church regularly and avoid alcohol
• How did Dickens' views on being a good Christian differ?

  He emphasized humility, good deeds, and charity
• What was a common Victorian practice on Sundays?

  Going to church and resting
• What was Dickens' stance on sabbatarianism?

  He was anti-sabbatarian, advocating for enjoyment
• What did Dickens believe was a major cause of Victorian society's problems?

  Lack of education
• What charity did Dickens support for education?

  Ragged schools
• What were the key issues faced by the working class during the industrial revolution?

  • Poor living conditions in slums
  • Exploitation of children by factory owners
  • Rapid spread of disease due to sewage issues
  • Increased food prices leading to hunger
• What were the attitudes of the wealthy towards poverty in Victorian society?

  • Viewed the poor as idle and lazy
  • Believed taxes were sufficient support
  • Shared Malthus' view on overpopulation and poverty
• What were the conditions and rules in workhouses established by the new poor law?

  • Harsh working conditions
  • Families were often separated
  • Fear of being forced into workhouses
  • Deliberately bad conditions to discourage reliance
• How did Dickens portray the contrast between wealth and poverty in "A Christmas Carol"?

  • Scrooge's wealth vs. Cratchit's poverty
  • Scrooge's large home vs. Cratchit's cramped living
• What were Dickens' beliefs about education and its role in society?

  • Education is crucial for solving societal problems
  • Supported free education through ragged schools