By paying low wages, factory owners were able to increase their profits in a

competitive environment.

avoid overcrowding and accidents on the factory floor.

hire fewer workers to perform a variety of tasks.

promise higher pay as an incentive to work harder.

The correct answer is: "a competitive environment"

When a firm operates in a competitive environment it needs to enhance its efficiency in the production and commercialization of goods and services, over that of its competitors, in order to attract the maximum number of consumers.

A firm can build its competitive strategy, intending to attract consumers,  based on charging a low price for its products. That is possible by lowering production costs.

Costs can be reduced by improving the technology employed so that it produces the same amount of goods using a smaller amount of resources (time, raw materials, employees). Costs can be also reduced by decreasing the amount paid for each resouce, for example, the wage paid to employees.

answer: you could try asking a family member maybe?

your answer will most likely be a.