Industrial RevolutionSOCIAL IMPACT

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)

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

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

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

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

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

Environmental Impact

Increased air pollution

Increased environmental damage due to mining, clearing of land, air pollution from factories and contamination of water supplies