Industrial Revolution: Social Changes and Challenges

Overview

• Industrial Revolution brought significant social changes
• Introduction of new social classes
• Impact on women varied between classes
• Urban challenges due to rapid industrialization

Social Class Changes

Rise of New Social Classes

1. Industrial Working Class

   • Composed mainly of factory workers and miners
   • Originated from rural areas due to mechanization of farming
   • Shift from skilled to unskilled labor
   • Viewed as interchangeable by factory managers
   • Higher wages than rural areas but faced many hardships (dangerous work, poor living conditions)

2. Middle Class

   • Benefited significantly from industrialization
   • Included factory owners, managers, white-collar workers (lawyers, doctors)
   • Lived comfortable lives, could afford manufactured goods
   • Some rose to aristocracy
   • Believed in meritocracy, viewed working class as lazy

3. Industrialists

   • Known as captains of industry
   • Gained wealth and power, surpassing traditional aristocracy

Impact on Women

Working-Class Women

• Worked wage-earning jobs in factories
• Low wages of husbands necessitated their work
• Children also worked in factories/mines, but reforms later promoted education

Middle-Class Women

• Did not work, supported by husbands' income
• Roles became focused on domestic duties and homemaking

Urban Challenges

Pollution

• Rapid industrial growth led to pollution
• Coal smoke and industrial waste polluted cities and rivers
• Health problems from toxic environments

Housing Shortages

• Inadequate housing for influx of people
• Overcrowding in poorly ventilated tenements
• Spread of diseases like typhoid and cholera

Increased Crime

• High concentration of poor led to more theft and violent crime
• Linked to survival needs and alcohol consumption

For more detailed study materials, check out the AP World Heimler Review Guide or explore further topics in Unit 5.