What was the primary cause of the rise in worker exploitation during the Industrial Revolution?

The primary cause of the rise in worker exploitation during the Industrial Revolution was the rapid growth of factories and the demand for cheap labor. As industries expanded, factory owners sought to maximize profits by paying workers as little as possible and requiring long hours. This led to poor working conditions, where many laborers, including children, worked in unsafe environments with little regard for their health or safety. For example, in textile mills, workers often faced dangerous machinery and harsh environments, leading to injuries and exhaustion. Overall, the need for increased production and profit overshadowed the well-being of workers, resulting in widespread exploitation.