Working conditions during the mid-19th century to the early 20th century was deplorable. People were being horribly injured at work; there was no insurance or worker compensation. Men, women and child worked long hour for very little pay. This was the cause of unions and other working class organizations to be created. Socialism grew more appealing amongst the working class. Although women had little influence in the beginning women joined these organizations. One woman in particular was Anna Maier, she joined the Austrian Democrats during the 1890s. When she turned thirteen her mother got her a job at a tobacco factory. She and other young girls received brutal treatment. She was often beaten by the older women (Maier, pg 209) She would often
