We all know that life was different for our ancestors back in their day. They did not have the conveniences we have at our disposal today. Many things would have made their lives easier like electric lights, washing machines, electric stoves, fridges, and farm equipment. These would have been a dream come true for many. But would these things really have made them happier? There seems to be a few today that purposely go to live off the grid.
If had to pick out the one of the most important differences between now and then, I think it is not what they didn't have, it is what many of our ancestors had to endure that we do not. Servitude.
I found a rather disturbing twisted court case that involved a young girl back in 1877. This newspaper article was found in the Northwich Guardian October 24, 1877.