The Condition of the Working Class in England is an 1845 book by the German philosopher Friedrich Engels, a study of the industrial working class in Victorian England. Engels' first book, it was originally written in German as Die Lage der arbeitenden Klasse in England. It was written during his 1842–44 stay in Manchester, the city at the heart of the Industrial Revolution, compiled from Engels' own observations and detailed contemporary reports.

Living Conditions of the Working Class in England

The living conditions of the working class in England during the Industrial Revolution were generally harsh and challenging. Rapid urbanization and the growth of industrial cities resulted in overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions for many workers. Here is a detailed discussion of the various aspects of their living conditions:

Housing:
- Most working-class families lived in cramped, poorly constructed tenements or slum dwellings.
- These homes were often overcrowded, with multiple families living in a single room or small apartments.
- The buildings lacked proper ventilation, heating, and sanitation facilities, leading to the spread of diseases and poor living conditions.

Sanitation and Hygiene:
- Sanitation facilities were inadequate, with shared outhouses or communal toilets located in the streets.
- Lack of proper sewage systems and waste disposal resulted in open drains and contaminated water sources, contributing to the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid.
- The accumulation of waste and garbage in the streets further worsened the hygiene conditions.

Healthcare:
- Access to healthcare was limited for the working class, with minimal or no provision of medical facilities.
- Diseases and illnesses were widespread, and medical treatments were often unaffordable for many workers.
- Unhygienic living conditions and long working hours made the working class more vulnerable to health issues.

Working Conditions:
- Most working-class individuals were employed in factories, mines, or other industries with long working hours, often exceeding 12 hours a day, six days a week.
- Dangerous working conditions and lack of safety regulations led to frequent accidents and injuries.
- The low wages earned by the workers made it difficult to improve their living standards or escape the cycle of poverty.

Educational Opportunities:
- Education for the working class was limited, with children often working from a young age to contribute to the family income.
- The lack of access to quality education further hindered social mobility and perpetuated the cycle of poverty for many families.

Overall, the living conditions of the working class in England during the Industrial Revolution were characterized by overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, limited healthcare, harsh working conditions, and limited educational opportunities. These challenging circumstances contributed to the formation of social reform movements and efforts to improve the conditions of the working class in the following years.