How does the Industrial Revolution dramatically change the social fabric of 19th century Europe?

Running Head : Industrial Revolution

Industrial Revolution

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Industrial Revolution

The late 18th and 19th century saw major changes in agriculture manufacturing and transportation which eventually would lead to the industrial revolution . It deeply affected British society and culture It would spread eventually to the entire world . It is a process that continues . The industrial revolution gradually influenced every aspect of human life

Machines slowly began to replace manual based economy in the late 1700s in Great Britain . Textile industries , iron making techniques and

use of coal spearheaded the industrial revolution . Further development was made in transportation . Machine tools played an important role in the development of production machines for use in other industries . Steam powered ships , railways , internal combustion engine and electrical power generation in the 19th century further added production and manufacturing capacity . The industrial revolution is credited with the creation of modern capitalist economies and increasing the standard of living in Europe and USA (Hudson , 2004

The industrial revolution had a deep impact on European society Industrialists and businessmen would eventually triumph against the aristocracy and landlords . Many people moved from the rural areas to urban areas where they found many employment opportunities . The work conditions were very poor . The industrial revolution gave rise to factories and urbanization . Manchester was the first industrial city of the world . Factories usually had steam powered engines and chimneys (Hudson , 2004

The industrial revolution also led to the rise of trade unions which helped protect the interests of the workers . A union could demand better pay and working conditions by using strikes and therefore creating a decrease in production . Employers had to look after the demands of skilled workers who were hard to replace . Trade unions began supporting socialist political parties that would later form the British Labour party . The industrial revolution also led to increased printing of newss and books which further increased literacy and created political awareness amongst the masses . The industrial revolution also led to the increase in life expectancy of children

The Industrial revolution also had negative consequences due to the poor working conditions . The workers lived in poor housing and sanitation Disease was very common due to contaminated sewerage systems . Child labor was also prevalent and many abuses were perpetrated towards children . Diseases like cholera were also very common due to poor living conditions

The industrial revolution led to many craft workers losing their jobs Many workers , weavers and others began destroying factories and sabotaging machines . This movement was known as the Luddite movement The British government had to suppress this movement harshly (Hudson 2004

Communism was an evolution of socialist movements of the 19th century The poor living conditions of the workers in factories led to critics blaming capitalism . Workers lived and worked in poor conditions . Housing was inadequate and wages were barely enough to support themselves . Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels were primary critics of capitalism (Hudson 2004

While the industrial revolution had positive impact on society it also had...