How did the Industrial Revolution affect the development of social classes in Great Britain

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Where and when did the Industrial Revolution take place?

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Industrial Revolution, in modern history, the process of change from an agrarian and handicraft economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. These technological changes introduced novel ways of working and living and fundamentally transformed society. This process began in Britain in the 18th century and from there spread to other parts of the world. Although used earlier by French writers, the term Industrial Revolution was first popularized by the English economic historian Arnold Toynbee (1852–83) to describe Britain’s economic development from 1760 to 1840. Since Toynbee’s time the term has been more broadly applied as a process of economic transformation than as a period of time in a particular setting. This explains why some areas, such as China and India, did not begin their first industrial revolutions until the 20th century, while others, such as the United States and western Europe, began undergoing “second” industrial revolutions by the late 19th century.

A brief treatment of the Industrial Revolution follows. For full treatment of the Industrial Revolution as it occurred in Europe, see Europe, history of: The Industrial Revolution.

Characteristics of the Industrial Revolution

The main features involved in the Industrial Revolution were technological, socioeconomic, and cultural. The technological changes included the following: (1) the use of new basic materials, chiefly iron and steel, (2) the use of new energy sources, including both fuels and motive power, such as coal, the steam engine, electricity, petroleum, and the internal-combustion engine, (3) the invention of new machines, such as the spinning jenny and the power loom that permitted increased production with a smaller expenditure of human energy, (4) a new organization of work known as the factory system, which entailed increased division of labour and specialization of function, (5) important developments in transportation and communication, including the steam locomotive, steamship, automobile, airplane, telegraph, and radio, and (6) the increasing application of science to industry. These technological changes made possible a tremendously increased use of natural resources and the mass production of manufactured goods.

There were also many new developments in nonindustrial spheres, including the following: (1) agricultural improvements that made possible the provision of food for a larger nonagricultural population, (2) economic changes that resulted in a wider distribution of wealth, the decline of land as a source of wealth in the face of rising industrial production, and increased international trade, (3) political changes reflecting the shift in economic power, as well as new state policies corresponding to the needs of an industrialized society, (4) sweeping social changes, including the growth of cities, the development of working-class movements, and the emergence of new patterns of authority, and (5) cultural transformations of a broad order. Workers acquired new and distinctive skills, and their relation to their tasks shifted; instead of being craftsmen working with hand tools, they became machine operators, subject to factory discipline. Finally, there was a psychological change: confidence in the ability to use resources and to master nature was heightened.

How did the Industrial Revolution affect the development of social classes in Great Britain

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How did the Industrial Revolution affect the development of social classes in Great Britain

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How did the Industrial Revolution affect the development of social classes in Great Britain


Answers

It divided society into greater number of social classes.

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The correct anser to "How did the Industrial Revolution affect the development of social classes in Great Britain?" is b. It divided society into a greater number of social classes.

Before the Industrial Revolution, British society was roughly divided into two major classes: the nobles and the peasants and it was mostly an agrarian society.

However, the Industrial Revolution caused a rapid urbanization and the exodus of many people from the villages to the blooming industrial cities. The work in the factories brought with it the rise of two new social classes: the capitalists who owned the factories, controlled the money and had influence in the government; and the proletariat who worked in the factories, had little money and lived in poor conditions.

There were also members of a middle class such as teachers, doctors or scientists that managed to live in better conditions than the proletarians but did not have the money or political influence of the capitalists and they did not own the means of production.

The industrial and economic developments of the Industrial Revolution brought significant social changes. Industrialization resulted in an increase in population and the phenomenon of urbanization, as a growing number of people moved to urban centres in search of employment.

B.(It divided society into a greater number of social classes).

Similar Solved Works

How do the Industrial Revolution affect the development of social classes in Great Britain?

The Industrial Revolution created a new middle class along with the working class. Those in the middle class owned and operated the new factories, mines, and railroads, among other industries. Their lifestyle was much more comfortable than that of the industrial working class.

How did the Industrial Revolution cause social classes?

The Industrial Revolution made distinctive positions of the upper and lower class. Factory workers did not earn enough money to increase their social standing in society. On the other hand, factory owners became wealthy and rose to the top of the social class.

How did the Industrial Revolution affect British society?

It began in Great Britain's textile industry and was boosted by advancements in steam power and the iron industry. The Industrial Revolution made some major impacts on British society, including the rise of factories, urbanization, humanitarian problems, and improvements in transportation.

What were the social classes in Britain during the Industrial Revolution?

There were essentially three different classes that emerged as a result of industrialization: the working class, the middle class, and the super wealthy. The working class were the factory workers and they were the poorest at the bottom of the class structure. They are sometimes associated with low-skilled jobs.