In modern history, the revolution is the process of change from a handicraft system to an economy that industries and machines dominate. During the era, Europe shifted from the large labor economy to a vast capital economy. The main features involved in the newly introduced system were technological, cultural and socioeconomic factors.
In the technological sectors, changes are required using raw materials like steel and iron. Many people used new energy sources during the Industrial Revolution, including fuels and steam, electricity, and petroleum. Coal and steam enabled the running of machines such as spinning jenny, which increased the production rate. Inventions like the flying shuttle allowed people to weave faster, hence resulting in double output. As a result, factories require little human energy during labor. Also, the revolution was characterized by a new work system commonly known as the factory system. The system entailed a more advanced division of labor and specialization.
Moreover, there were significant developments in the transport and communication sector. Notably, steam locomotives, airplanes, radio, and steamships were some of the means of communication and transportation. James’s first steam engine further led to the development of George Stephenson’s Rocket. As a result, many more great inventions came in.
Effects of the New System
Although the Industrial Revolution spread after many decades, the system uniquely changed the European lifestyle. The new system had a long-lasting impact on urbanization, social aspects, family unit life, and European living standards. The growth of large factories encouraged the people to migrate to urban areas. The population of cities, in turn, increased. The availability of labor caused the shift from the countryside to the cities. Urban life further experienced child labor and unsafe working conditions in the factory. The act later led to the creation of reform movements.
Due to the population increase in the urban, the living conditions became so horrible, although the death rates went down. The prosperous people proved to be better than the workers who worked in the industries. Most of the factory workers were extremely dirty, and the cities were very dirty. The living conditions were, therefore, not appealing since the sanitary states in the early industrial cities were much filthy. The Municipal government was not concerned with cleanliness; hence, the towns lacked proper waste disposal. Also, coal burning in the factories made the cities ‘ living air, water, and entire surroundings. The situation affected both urban areas, leading to lower living standards.
Moreover, families experienced problems following the Industrial Revolution. In most cases, women and men, who are the key providers, often work without pay. Sadly enough, even the children had to spend many hours working but later got little pay; hence, it is somehow cheap labor. Most families did not have time to eat or even eat the food themselves. Families began worrying about cholera and various deadly diseases that could affect them as a result of unhealthy hygiene. The fear led to the formation of the National Board of Health. Social class also changed as a result of the revolution. The workers in the factories formed the majority of the working class. The rise of the wealthy middle class, which owned factories and machines and the market, and the industrial working class transformed traditional social relationships in Europe.
In conclusion, despite the increase in employment and production rates, the features of the new industrial system ensured that labor life made the conditions worse for families.
