The Industrial Revolution significantly changed society in various ways. It increased the overall amount of wealth and distributed it more widely, helping to enlarge the middle class. However, this economic growth came at a cost; the shift from the domestic system of production, where independent craftspersons worked from their homes, to the factory system resulted in many people, including women and children, being subjected to long hours of tedious and often dangerous work for minimal pay. These difficult conditions contributed to the rise of the trade union movement in the mid-19th century aimed at advocating for workers' rights and improvements in labor conditions[1][2].
The revolution also led to rapid urbanization as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of factory jobs, resulting in overcrowded living conditions and significant public health challenges. This urbanization was coupled with the emergence of a distinct working class, differentiated by harsh working conditions and low wages. The significant wealth accumulated by industrialists widened the gap between the rich and poor, prompting social changes including the formation of labor unions and a rise in socialist ideas in response to economic inequalities[2][5].
Moreover, the Industrial Revolution affected political structures; as urban populations grew, there was an increased demand for better infrastructure and public services, leading to reforms and the rise of new political ideologies[5]. This period marked a profound transformation not only in the economy but in the social and political landscape of societies undergoing industrialization, reshaping the modern era[2][3][5].
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