The Industrial Revolution, a time of extremely rapid technical growth, took place in the 18th and 19th centuries. But, its effects were felt for decades and influenced everything from how we travel to how we dress. Farming had been the main economic activity before the process of industrialization. However, the changes brought about it moved much of the world—including Europe and the United States—into the modern period.
The Beginning of the Industrial Revolution
Once the Industrial Revolution started, immigration from Great Britain and other countries helped with the growth of the population. There were more people to work, which opened more job opportunities. Technological advancements in urbanization made it possible for the revolution to last for many years.
Urbanization
The growth of the industry had a significant impact on technology. Moreover, according to an essay on Industrial Revolution, during this time, Western European and North American nations underwent profound economic changes. These countries moved from farming to other activities which took them to a whole new society level with the biggest changes. As a result, many towns emerged from a small farm to a metropolis with thousands of residents.
Due to the high cost of the new machinery, people who wanted to establish startup companies had to raise a substantial amount of money through bank loans and more. Even though the growth of industry led to large companies being made, local businesses still dominated the market.
Here are the greatest technological advancements that happened in the Industrial Revolution:
- the use of new materials, such as iron and steel;
- the invention of new machines;
- the use of new energies, such as electricity and the steam engine;
- the expanding use of science in business.
- the factory system, which required more people working;
- big changes in transportation and communication. Such as the steam locomotive, the airplane, the automobile, the radio, and the telegraph.
After the Revolution, Britain, as an industrial country, became home to many big cities that produced large quantities of goods. The lifestyle of people, as well as these innovations, would soon be exported to other parts of the world.
Labor in Industrial Revolution
During the industrial revolution, work was dramatically harder. The new technology had taken over emerging business and labor organizations. As a result, there was more work than ever. Workers were expected to keep up with the speed set by the machines in the factories. Furthermore, the autonomy of workers decreased, and more people worked under the daily supervision of others.
Technological Advances
Due to technological advances, working at factories became more and more exhausting and, in many cases, dangerous. A lot of workers had to put in long hours for low pay. Women and children were hired for the lower-skilled tasks while lots of them worked up to 14 hours a day.
Moreover, work was extremely hard and free time was limited. Additionally, city authorities attempted to restrict other traditional, well-liked forms of entertainment, as the need for leisure was considered to be laziness.
Population Growth and its Consequences
The population of London doubled in the 50 years from 1801 to 1851. At the same time, the number of inhabitants in towns and cities across the world bloomed. However, these urban areas were frequently in poor condition because the growth happened so quickly. Moreover, many people were living together in tiny spaces. Records and examples of essays from the period stated that there were as many as six people sleeping on the same bed. As a result, there was a general lack of hygiene, leading to widespread pollution and sickness.
Even though industrialization raised economic progress and middle-class and upper-class standards of living, low and working-class people still had to struggle. The cities did not have good waste disposal facilities at the time, and people poured garbage and sewage directly into the streets. Moreover, the air and water were contaminated by garbage, and towns were covered with a layer of filth due to the burning of coal.
Conclusion
Many academics still disagree on a variety of issues related to industrialization. For example, it’s timing, why it started in Britain, and that it was more of an evolution than a revolution. People continued to struggle as a result of the unsafe working conditions and pollution brought about by the events. On the other hand, newer technology has brought many different ways of traveling and communication. The Industrial Revolution had a great impact on economics, society, and culture, and it helped lay the groundwork for a modern world.