The Industrial Revolution began more than 200 years ago in England around the 1700’s (the term industry comes from the Latin word industrius – meaning to be active or diligent). This revolution had a huge impact on society as the changes brought on were sudden and great improvements were to be made. The changes would have a huge impact on the Agriculture, the manufacture of textile, the introduction to inventions and most importantly – social reformation. The Industrial Revolution was a time of dramatic change, from hand tools and handmade items, to products, which were mass-produced. Life would generally improve, but the industrial revolution also proved harmful. Pollution increased, working conditions were harmful, and capitalists employed women and young children, making them work long and hard hours. The industrial revolution was a time for change. However did it change for the better, or for the worse?

As time progressed, larger machines would be needed to handle higher volumes of work and inventors needed ways to power such machines. Manual labor was great but experience was extremely limited; therefore, inventors had to rely on the natural elements (water, wind, etc.) to make machines run without human effort thus the development of the waterwheel. The waterwheel was developed prior to the steam engine and supplied power to most factories that were in operation. In addition to waterpower, England also used the resources of iron and coal. With the large number of laborers, factory owners could get the cheapest labor possible to increase profits. The factories were dark, hot and people were expected to work 15 – 16 hours per day, as there were no labor unions established to protect workers from such treatment. As a result, disease was widespread and many deaths occurred. Once steam was introduced, the conditions became even worse. By the end of the 1700’s, laws were introduced in Parliament to limit working hours and forbid the employment of very young children.

England wanted to protect its industrial power and prevented the export of machinery or skilled workers to America. An English textile worker,

Some topics in this essay:
Industrial Revolution, Edmund Cartwright, Cloth Cloth, II Historians, England America, Enclosure System, , John Kay, James Hargreaves, Samuel Slater, industrial revolution, low wages, huge impact, factory owners, labor unions,