During what age did Robert Owen operate a cotton mill and advocate for worker conditions?

Robert Owen began operating a cotton mill at the age of 18. This period marked the start of his involvement in the textile industry, where he gained firsthand experience with the working conditions faced by laborers. Owen recognized the harsh realities of factory life and became an influential advocate for improving worker conditions. His early experiences played a significant role in shaping his later contributions to social reform, particularly in areas such as education and labor rights. Thus, the age of 18 is significant as it represents the formative period when he began to blend business with a commitment to humane treatment and social responsibility in the workplace.