Industrial Revolution

1. Industrial Revolution Social Impact

2. Urbanization • After 1800, more people started to live in cities • Growth of factory system was the driving force behind the growth of cities • Industrial centers grew wherever there were natural resources and reliable forms of transportation (rivers, canals, roads, rail lines)

3. Living Conditions • Rapid urbanization meant no city planning, sanitary or building codes (government could not keep up) • Unpaved roads, poor sewers, lack of adequate housing, education, fire and police protection • Homes were dark, dirty, and cramped • People were often sick and many died of disease (cholera epidemics were frequent) • Average life span in 1842 was 17 in cities compared to 38 in rural areas

4. Working Conditions • 14 hour days • 6 days a week • Poorly lit and dirty factories led to accidents that injured and killed workers • No government oversight or insurance for injuries

5. The Middle Class • Factory owners, merchants, bankers now had more money than landowners and aristocrats (who used to hold all the power) • Landowners looked down on those who made money through business • Upper Middle Class- government employees, doctors, lawyers, and managers • Lower Middle Class- Factory overseers, skilled workers, drafters, printers

6. The Working Class • 1800-1850 laborers saw little improvement in conditions • Replaced by machines • Violence broke out over poor living and working conditions throughout England

7. Positive Effects • Created jobs for workers • Contributed to the wealth of the nation • New technology and inventions • Increased production rates • Raised the standard of living • Provided hope for improvement in people’s lives • Better diets, housing, clothing eventually • Expanded educational opportunities

8. Environmental Impact • Increased air pollution • Increased environmental damage due to mining, clearing of land, air pollution from factories and contamination of water supplies