Dark History Podcast Summary
Episode 150: Life Before Worker’s Rights: This Toxic Workplace Turned Girls Radioactive!?
Release Date: November 13, 2024
Host: Bailey Sarian | Produced by Audioboom Studios
Introduction: The Hidden Perils of Everyday Innovations
Bailey Sarian opens the episode by reflecting on the unnoticed yet pivotal inventions that shape our daily lives. She draws a parallel between the seemingly mundane matchsticks and the profound impact they had in the 1800s, setting the stage for uncovering the dark history behind their production.
"The history of matches is dark. Making matches often led to slow, painful deaths. And workers who didn't die had to live with brutal face-altering injuries for the rest of their lives."
— Bailey Sarian [04:30]
The Rise of Bryant and May: Pioneers in the Match Industry
In the mid-1800s, amid Queen Victoria's reign, the majority of society comprised the working and underclasses. William Bryant and Frank Francis May capitalized on the booming Industrial Revolution by importing and later manufacturing safety matches from Sweden. Their innovation of the "strike anywhere" match, known colloquially as "Lucifer matches," revolutionized the industry, making their London factory a leading powerhouse.
"Bryant and May knew they had a bestseller on their hands. The common slang for these matches was called the 'Lucifer match,' because in Latin, lucifer means brightly shining one."
— Bailey Sarian [12:45]
Horrific Working Conditions: Exploitation at Its Peak
Under the management of Wilberforce Bryant, William Bryant’s son, the factory employed approximately 5,000 workers, primarily women, teenage girls, and children as young as six. These workers endured grueling 12 to 14-hour days, six days a week, with minimal pay. The factory enforced strict regulations, issuing fines for minor infractions and subjected employees to physical abuse to suppress dissent.
"If you were a few minutes late, if you were talking to one of your co-workers, you'd be slapped with a fine. You couldn't win."
— Bailey Sarian [20:10]
Phossy Jaw: The Deadly Consequence of White Phosphorus
Bryant and May's success hinged on the use of white phosphorus in their matches, a chemical that eliminated the rotten egg smell of earlier matches but was highly toxic. Workers were exposed to white phosphorus fumes without adequate protection, leading to a debilitating condition known as phossy jaw. Symptoms included severe nausea, vomiting, intense diarrhea, excruciating toothaches, jaw swelling, and eventual jawbone deterioration.
"The workers were making such little money, a lot of them couldn't even afford shoes. So the only option they had was to work barefoot."
— Bailey Sarian [27:50]
Attempts to Hide the Truth: A Company in Denial
Despite the mounting evidence of workers' suffering, Bryant and May attempted to conceal the truth. Factory investigations falsely reported favorable conditions, likely due to bribery. When confronted with the rampant health issues, the company denied responsibility, offering minimal financial support that was insufficient for recovery.
"Bryant and May were fully aware that white phosphorus gave workers phossy jaw and they just ignored it."
— Bailey Sarian [45:00]
Awakening Public Conscience: Annie Besant’s Exposé
The situation caught the attention of Annie Besant of the Fabian Society, a group advocating for labor reforms. Alarmed by the testimonies of factory workers, Besant penned an explosive article titled "White Slavery in London," bringing public awareness to the inhumane conditions at Bryant and May's factory. Her writing galvanized public support, leading to widespread condemnation of the company.
"Born in slums, driven to work while still children. Undersized because underfed, oppressed because helpless. Flung aside as soon as worked out."
— Annie Besant in "White Slavery in London" [48:20]
The Match Girls Strike: A Pioneering Labor Movement
Inspired by Besant’s article, Sarah Chapman, a 16-year-old factory worker, led a group of 14 women in striking against Bryant and May on July 5, 1888. The strike, known as the Match Girls Strike, saw widespread support from the public and donations poured into funds aiding the striking workers. The match girls demanded better wages, improved working conditions, and an end to punitive fines.
"These match girls had a huge effect on other workers trapped in terrible factory jobs. People kind of like took notice of the strike, the negotiations, and everything."
— Bailey Sarian [1:15:30]
Aftermath and Legacy: Partial Victories and Ongoing Struggles
Negotiations resulted in Bryant and May agreeing to improve working conditions, increase pay, and cease issuing fines. The factory workers formed the Union of Women Matchmakers, later expanding to include men and renaming themselves the Matchmakers Union. However, the resolution fell short in addressing the root cause: the continued use of white phosphorus. Over 16 documented deaths from phossy jaw persisted, although actual numbers were likely higher due to unrecorded cases.
In 1893, government intervention mandated better factory certifications for ventilation and sanitation, but Bryant and May exploited loopholes, continuing white phosphorus use until 1900 solely when a cheaper, safer alternative became available. The legacy of the Match Girls Strike laid foundational stones for future labor movements, highlighting the power of collective action in the fight for workers' rights.
"The Match Girls didn't get everything they were fighting for, but they did change a lot. Their strike inspired decades of workers to unionize and fight for their rights."
— Bailey Sarian [1:50:10]
Conclusion: Lessons from the Past
Bailey Sarian wraps up the episode by drawing parallels between the historical exploitation of factory workers and modern-day corporate malpractices. She emphasizes the enduring importance of solidarity and persistent advocacy in combating worker exploitation, urging listeners to learn from history to prevent the repetition of such tragedies.
"The lesson here is to work together and take down these bozos in charge. If we work together, we can get better working conditions."
— Bailey Sarian [2:00:05]
Key Takeaways:
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Industrial Revolution Exploitation: The match industry during the Industrial Revolution was marked by severe worker exploitation, particularly of women and children.
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Phossy Jaw: The use of white phosphorus in match production caused a debilitating and often fatal condition known as phossy jaw, highlighting the dire consequences of industrial negligence.
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Match Girls Strike: A pivotal labor strike led by young factory workers that, despite not resolving all issues, significantly advanced workers' rights and inspired future labor movements.
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Enduring Legacy: The events surrounding Bryant and May's factory underscore the critical need for worker solidarity and the ongoing vigilance required to protect labor rights.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Bailey Sarian [04:30]: "The history of matches is dark. Making matches often led to slow, painful deaths..."
- Bailey Sarian [12:45]: "Bryant and May knew they had a bestseller on their hands..."
- Bailey Sarian [20:10]: "If you were a few minutes late... you couldn't win."
- Bailey Sarian [27:50]: "The workers were making such little money, a lot of them couldn't even afford shoes."
- Annie Besant [48:20]: "Born in slums, driven to work while still children..."
- Bailey Sarian [1:15:30]: "These match girls had a huge effect on other workers..."
- Bailey Sarian [1:50:10]: "The Match Girls didn't get everything they were fighting for, but they did change a lot."
- Bailey Sarian [2:00:05]: "The lesson here is to work together and take down these bozos in charge..."
Final Thoughts:
Episode 150 of Dark History sheds light on the grim realities faced by workers during the Industrial Revolution, particularly in the match industry. Through meticulous storytelling, Bailey Sarian highlights the intersection of industrial progress and human suffering, emphasizing the importance of historical awareness in the ongoing fight for workers' rights.