Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What was so "revolutionary" about the "Industrial Revolution"?
The effects of the Industrial Revolution are still felt immensely in today's society. Perhaps the most revolutionary change in social structure that occured during the rev. was the growth of cities. In Britain by 1850, what had previously been a predominantly rural population had now grown and moved to cities, resulting in 31 cities with over 50,000 people. This urbanization soon spread with industrialism. Life changed dramatically for many-small farmers could no longer make a living doing what they were doing. Many had little choice but to move to the cities. There were many things "revolutionary" about the Industrial Revolution...industrialism itself was extremely revolutionary...urbanization is just a major one.
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3 comments:
the cities were a major part, but the world trade was also a huge factor, britain had this giant empire it connected to and while world trade was already happening befor, the advances in technology made it that much faster and easier.
I would definitely agree that urbanization was a a huge part of the industrial revolution. I think that the modern world tends to label it so "revolutionary" because people go "ah, yes, this is where history finally started down the right path." Kinda like it's the American Revolution and not the American Insurrection. Eheh...Industrial Insurrection...
I like how you just pickd one thing (urbanization)and went with it you didn't name a lot them. I think that's great. It's fun to comment on because you can mention your own reason and agree with the one posted as well. Watch!
I totally agree with you Sam. Don't forget the Enclosure Acts though, those were very important.
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