The Factory Acts were a series of laws passed in the United Kingdom during the 19th and early 20th centuries. These laws aimed to improve working conditions in factories, particularly for women and children. They regulated working hours, set minimum age requirements, and mandated safety measures to protect workers from hazardous environments. The first significant act, the Factory Act of 1833, limited the working hours of children and required factory inspections. Over time, additional acts expanded protections, addressing issues like sanitation and workplace safety. These reforms played a crucial role in the development of labor rights and the eventual establishment of modern labor laws.