Question
Here is the question : WHICH APPLIANCE REPLACED THE GROUP OF WORKERS KNOWN AS “KNOCKER-UPPERS”?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Alarm clock
- Microwave
- Television
- Lithium battery
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Beginning with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, shift workers, particularly those working in England, relied on knocker-uppers to get them up and ready for work on time. Knocker-uppers were those who were tasked with waking up workers by knocking on their windows using long poles to convey the message that it was time for them to begin their shift. The ease of use provided by alarm clocks became too appealing to ignore by the 1970s, and as a result, knocker-uppers were phased out of use.
The Rise of Alarm Clocks: The Replacement of Knocker-Uppers
In the annals of industrial history, there are tales of peculiar professions and unique roles that have since faded into obscurity. One such occupation was that of the “knocker-upper,” a dedicated group of workers responsible for rousing people from their slumber in the days before alarm clocks became commonplace. The advent and widespread adoption of alarm clocks played a pivotal role in replacing these human alarm clocks, revolutionizing the way people woke up and ultimately rendering the knocker-upper profession obsolete.
In the era before alarm clocks, ensuring punctuality and awakening at the desired time presented a significant challenge. The industrial revolution and the rise of factory work necessitated a more disciplined approach to timekeeping and waking up early. Enter the knocker-uppers, individuals who took on the responsibility of rousing their fellow citizens from sleep. Armed with long sticks or batons, these early morning risers would patrol the streets, tapping on windows or using their sticks to gently knock on doors, awakening their slumbering clients at the requested time.
The knocker-uppers were an integral part of urban life, particularly in industrialized areas where prompt attendance at work was crucial. They catered to a diverse range of clientele, including factory workers, tradesmen, and individuals with pressing appointments. The knocker-uppers often developed personal relationships with their clients, memorizing their preferred times of awakening and acting as reliable timekeepers in the community. Their services were indispensable, ensuring that people would start their day on time.
However, the dawn of the 20th century witnessed a significant technological advancement that would ultimately reshape the waking habits of society—the alarm clock. The development and subsequent widespread availability of alarm clocks brought a new level of convenience and reliability to the process of waking up. These mechanical marvels offered the potential for individuals to take control of their own waking schedule, eliminating the need for external assistance.
Alarm clocks, powered by springs or later by electricity, provided an accurate and customizable means of awakening. People could set the desired time and trust that the alarm clock would faithfully sound at the designated hour. The integration of snooze buttons and adjustable volume settings further enhanced the waking experience, allowing individuals to tailor their alarms to their specific needs. With alarm clocks becoming more affordable and accessible, the reliance on the services of knocker-uppers gradually diminished.
The rise in popularity of alarm clocks was met with both excitement and skepticism. Some hailed the new technology as a transformative force, granting individuals the freedom to wake up on their terms. Others, however, mourned the loss of the personal touch that knocker-uppers pro