Industrialization Era

The post-Industrialization era

What It Was Really Like As a Worker In The Industrial Revolution?

Much of modern life would not exist without the Industrial Revolution. Industrialization, a period of dramatic innovation, transformed us from a farmer society to a machinery one. They used to make everything by hand. Later, machinery mass produced goods at a fraction of the cost. People began leaving their family farms to work in factories near growing cities or in coal mines.

It fueled all the innovations. But, going to work back then was not the same as clocking into a modern office or factory. While there are laws in place today to protect employees from certain conditions, the industrial era was a lawless world. Ruthless employers preyed on their employees. Employers overworked them in hazardous conditions for the sake of productivity and profits. Here's a look at what it was like to be a worker during the Industrial Revolution.

• The majority of jobs were monotonous, exhausting, and dangerous.
• Kids as young as four joined the workforce during the industrial revolution
• Women put in the same amount of effort for half the pay.
• The Lowell mills attempted to foster a sense of community among their young employees.
• Employers used immigrant labor to staff their factories.
• Workers were underpaid with no margin for error
• Pleasant work environments were rare during the industrial revolution
• Going to work means risking injury, illness, or even death.

The Advantages of Industrialization

Some Benefits of Industrialization Are:

• Industrialization created the current import-export market
• It enables us to be more productive.
• As a result of the industrialization era, goods and services have become more affordable.
• It improves the standard of living for each individual and household.
• Medical care improved as a result of the industrialization era.
• It allows a worker to focus on specialization.
• Industrialization increased the global economy's employment.
• It shifted our perspective on what we want versus what we need.
• Because of industrialization, anyone can make a name for themselves.

Disadvantages of The Industrialization

• Working conditions deteriorated as a result of industrialization.
• Child labor was a necessary part of industrialization.
• Living conditions in the vicinity of new factories were not always better.
• Industrialization widened income disparities among the top 0.1 percent of the population.
• It paved the way for global warming and climate change.
• Industrialization altered the global political landscape.
• Because of industrialization, agricultural production methods have changed.
• It increases our reliance on fossil fuels.
• Industrialization transformed our understanding of work.

The Connection Between The Industrial Revolution and Standard of Living

Significant changes in the standard of living for British people during the Industrial Revolution began. Manufacturing technology advances would alter the classes' face and their living standards.

The Industrial Revolution had many different outcomes in England between 1760 and 1860. One of these outcomes was a steady increase in income, which spread throughout the Western world. Critics and supporters of free markets sparred over ideological issues. The process of industrialization in England has harmed the middle class by extracting more surplus value over time. Defenders of free markets saw this process as a new beginning in developing consumer goods. Privately owned businesses determine the prices in a free market system. It results in greater availability for England's middle class.

Historians have also debated the standard of living during the Industrial Revolution. Many believe the debate is about whether people benefited from the industrial revolution. But the real question is when their standard of living will improve. Historians argue that progress did not begin until the 1840s and 1850s, while others believe that progress began in the 1810s and 1820s.

Some of the revolution's positive effects may have turned negative due to the war and the high taxes. The industrial revolution ushered in significant changes that resulted in increased or improved living standards for people.

How did The Industrial Revolution Affect the Working Class?

The Industrial Revolution brought about major lifestyle changes and new types of technology. Without the Industrial Revolution, there would be no railroads, factories, or mass production of goods in the modern world. The upper and middle classes had more comfortable and prosperous living conditions.

The middle class could afford not only basic necessities but also extravagances. For example, more clothing, furniture, and a larger home. The rich became even richer, while the poor became even poorer. The Industrial Revolution harmed the working class. They had to live in filthy, overcrowded conditions with the threat of disease. Most didn't have much to eat, and many died of starvation. Families worked together, and members were separated. Children were among those who suffered the most during this time. Because of their lack of education and because they were inexpensive to hire by factory owners, they became the main workforce. Although there were positive effects on the working class, labor laws were in place to protect workers. It was difficult for the working class to live in industrial towns in such deplorable conditions.

How Did the lives of Industrial Workers Change During The Industrial Revolution?

The horrendous working conditions people faced were a significant feature of the Industrial Revolution. At the time, industrial cities expanded due to the farmers' immigration. They pursued work in hazardous and unforgiving factories and mines. Working-class people faced long work hours (12–16 hour shifts). Factory owners paid low wages that barely covered the cost of living. Dangerous conditions with few or no worker rights were their awful conditions. It is necessary first to understand the political ideology of the time. Historians refer to it as "classical liberalism. Classical liberalism is an ideology characterized by laissez-faire capitalism. In which the government plays as little of an economic role as possible.

There were few to no rules for workers during the Industrial Revolution. In that period, wealthy owners could act as they pleased. For example, factories and mines were dangerous environments with few safeguards.

During the Industrial Revolution, the lives of factory workers were difficult. They worked long hours for little pay. Factory owners placed them in dirty and dangerous situations. They also lacked the fundamental rights required to fight for better living conditions.

What Changes Were Caused By The Industrial Revolution?

The Industrial Revolution altered the way businesses operated. It leaves an indelible mark on the society we live in today.

Businesses use economies of scale to streamline their processes. They produce more products at a lower cost. It increased the number of available jobs and the wages associated with them. Workers flocked to the cities in search of work at the newly established factories. Paying for factories was more than farming.

Cities changed their plans to accommodate the large influx of people. Meanwhile, they maintain acceptable living conditions. Governments enacted regulations to protect factory workers. Regulations reduced the exponential increase in pollution that occurred during the era.

Existing businesses were also in greater need of capital as a result of the change. Banks grew to provide the necessary capital for these high-growth areas.

How Did the Industrial Revolution Lead to New Inventions?

The Industrial Revolution resulted in more efficient manufacturing processes. It leads to lower-cost goods, increased job opportunities, and a higher quality of life. But, the Industrial Revolution also promoted pollution, poor working conditions, and agricultural decline.

Many new inventions were introduced during the Industrial Revolution. They would forever change the world.

It was a period marked by the widespread introduction of machinery. It resulted in the transformation of cities. And also leads to significant technological advances in a variety of fields. Many modern mechanisms can be traced back to this time.

During the Industrial Revolution, innovators created many new and innovative inventions. These innovations helped the industrial revolution. They improved farming, manufacturing, transportation, communication, health, public safety, and the economy.

Are the Unhealthy Habits of The Industrial Revolution Still Strong?

The development of unhealthy habits has been encouraged. Drug use increased during the Industrial Revolution. Since they had the equipment to save jobs, people began to increase their level of training. Products with higher nutritional content appeared to be less expensive. Processed foods were developed to save time and improve salt and sugar intake. Many of the unhealthy habits of the Industrial Revolution are still prevalent. But they are not common in the developed world.

Prominent Effects of The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a major historical turning point. It saw the world shift from an agrarian and handicraft economy to an industrial one. It increased the quantity and variety of factory-produced goods. It raised the standard of living for many people. particularly for the middle and upper classes. But life for the poor and working classes continued to be difficult. Wages for factory workers were low. And working conditions could be dangerous and monotonous.

Children worked in the labor force. They frequently worked long hours. Work owners assigned dangerous tasks for these children, such as cleaning the machinery. Some craftspeople were also replaced by machines as a result of industrialization.

The urban, industrialized areas were unable to keep up with the influx of workers from the countryside. It results in inadequate, overcrowded housing. These conditions lead to polluted, unsanitary living conditions rife with disease. Governments implement various labor reforms. Then workers gained the right to form trade unions. As a result, working-class conditions improved.

The Pre-Industrialization Era

Why Did the Industrial Revolution Begin in Europe?

The Industrial Revolution began in the 18th century in Britain. It quickly spread throughout the world. The United Kingdom was built for industrial success. Three causes of the Industrial Revolution have been identified by historians. They are as follows:

• The rise of capitalism. Private individuals conducted trade and industry for profit. It also made it easier for wealthy people to start profitable businesses.
• Imperialism in Europe. It occurred when Europe, a powerful nation, surpassed less powerful nations.
• The Agricultural Revolution.The mass production of food items in Britain increased during this time. It was the result of labor and productivity increasing.

During the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution was a time of industrialization. Many people moved to industrialized cities to work. They moved to make money as a result of the Industrial Revolution. During this time, many cities expanded and their populations increased. People have become more reliant on machines than ever before as a result of this change.

What Was Life Like Before The Industrial Revolution?

Before the Industrial Revolution, Britain was a very different place from now.

• Before the Industrial Revolution, communication was hard. It was difficult to communicate with people in other parts of the country. Travelers spread the news. They distribute the goods within the region in which they were produced.
• Food was grown locally; agriculture could only support a few large commercial towns. Clothing was made locally from animal hides and furs. Nylon was not an option, and cotton was not imported in large quantities. This situation continued until technological advances allowed for the mass production of goods.
• For the vast majority of the population, life was a farmer's life. The feudal system was long gone by the 18th century. But in its place was a system in which the people were as reliant on each other and their master as they had been before.
• Education was insufficient. Nannies and private tutors looked after the wealthy. There were several schools and universities. These were not for the average man or woman. They excluded girls from school after the age of seven.
• Land ownership and military honors were the foundations of politics.Few rights were granted to women and ordinary men.
• As a result, life was a constant battle against famine, a cruel landlord, overwork, and pure bad luck. Only a few of these concerns would be alleviated by industrialization.
• Poverty existed before the Industrial Revolution. Many agricultural jobs are seasonal. This meant that they were only available during certain seasons. Similarly, merchants in towns frequently experienced busy and quiet periods. In both cases, this resulted in people having jobs that were not guaranteed in the long run. Toward the end of Elizabeth I's reign, a system for assisting the poor was established. The Elizabethan Poor Law was amended in the following years. But, it continued to govern much of the practice. Individual parishes were responsible for the poor. This meant the workhouse for some.

How Did People Manufacture Before The Industrial Revolution?

Before the Industrial Revolution, people in homes made the majority of goods. Factory mass production leads to cheap and quick production. Huge markets for these goods were emerging in the new cities. They were in the lands conquered and settled by European nations.

Within Industrialization

How Did Capitalism Affect The Economy During The Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, Britain began to industrialize. During this time, new technologies were developed and ideas about wealth shifted. Economic theorists such as Adam Smith argued that wealth was not fixed. Rather, he contended that wealth could be created. A new economic system—capitalism—arose. The emphasis on industrializing Britain began to shift from accumulating wealth to finding more efficient ways to create wealth through factory systems. They used cutting-edge technology, the complex division of labor, free trade, and so on.

Capitalism evolved from mercantilism. While both economic systems are geared toward profit, they do so in different ways.

Industrialization in England (Britain)

Before the industrial revolution, the majority of "industry" in Britain was in homes. They take place in small foundries or people's homes. These "cottage industries' would be labor-intensive processes. The merchants were supplying raw materials and collecting the finished products later.

This process was inefficient. It was difficult for merchants to regulate and control their cottage industry "contractors." These self-employed workers frequently had other commitments and set their own schedules.

Several key innovations would occur in the 18th century. They result in massive increases in production efficiency. In 1764, one of these was James Hargreaves' spinning Jenny. This device was so successful that by the time he died, it was estimated that 20,000 units were in use throughout the UK.

Samual Crompton's "spinning mule' would later improve on the "jenny." Other significant innovations occurred, such as Edmund Cartwright's invention of the power loom. It was in the 1780s.

Improvements in the textile industry would spur growth in other industries. Some industries, such as the iron industry. Darby invented an early method of producing cheap and easy cast iron. The Bessemer process supplemented, and in some cases, superseded, it for producing steel.

Iron and steel became essential materials for the revolution. And they were used to make everything from cooking appliances to ships.

With his groundbreaking steam engine, Thomas Newcomen would catapult the revolution into overdrive. This was improved upon by James Watt in the late 1700s. It led to the development of steam locomotives and ships typical of the time.

Industrialization in America

In America, industrialization began in the early 1800s and grew until the Civil War. At the time, the industry was on a very small scale. Hand or manual labor was still prevalent across the country. Many businesses served their local communities but lacked the capital to expand.

But, things changed forever after the Civil War. The widespread use of machinery replaced traditional craft manufacturing, increasing output exponentially. A desire for better transportation fueled the construction of the transcontinental railroad. It increased the demand for goods and labor.

The rise in demand for goods encouraged inventors to create new technologies. They will seek investment to expand their businesses.

Banks and other investors fueled the new demand for capital investment. They provide the massive sums of money required to build and expand businesses.

The growth of the industry in cities resulted in widespread migration into them. Cities were growing faster than ever before. It changed demographics and the quality of life for millions of people.

The North was the basis of this massive transition from an agrarian to an industrial society. The South would take longer to recover from the devastation of the Civil War. It would lag economically behind the rest of the country.

Western expansion had run its course, and frontier life was coming to an end. Throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, America's star began to rise. And its role in foreign affairs began to shift. During this time, it would begin to build up its military strength. Eventually, it became the world power we know today.

Still curious? Click on the below links to know more:

advantages and disadvantages of industrial revolution

The Third Industrial Revolution: A Brief Description and Timeline

Fourth Industrial Revolution: Key Features, Components, Trends, and Challenges

Industrial revolutuion in UAE (C4IR UAE)