Main Idea: The factory system changed the way people lived and worked, introducing a variety of problems. Industrialization transforms British society: cities grow, work patterns change, and a middle class emerges. The city of Manchester becomes a notable example of the benefits and drawbacks of the new industrial age.
II. Manchester: A Case Study
A. Background: Changes—economic growth
& urbanization
1. Economic Growth: better quality of life
a Wealth for some—hardship for others
2. Urbanization: growth of cities
a London: largest in Europe; industrial
leader
a Problems
i
No urban planning
ii
no sanitary codes
iii
no building codes
iv
inadequate housing,
education, and police protection
v
unpaved streets
& no sewage system
vi
families lived in
one room shelters
vii
poor health: regular
cholera epidemics
a 14 hour workday
b 6 days a week
c dangers: poor lighting & unclean; injuries
& accidents; unique conditions added risks (coal mines)
d no compensation
a Middle class emerges—factory owners,
shippers, & merchants—social class of skilled workers, professionals,
businesspeople, and wealthy farmers
b Middle Class grows—upper (professionals)
and lower (toolmakers, mechanical drafters, printers)
c Luddites: attacked the machines that
replaced people; destroyed whole factories & labor-saving machinery; riots
6. Effects of Industrialization
a Created jobs
b Contributed to national wealth
c Fostered technological progress &
invention
d Increased production of goods
e Raised standard of living
f
Other benefits:
healthier diets; better housing; cheaper, mass-produced clothing; expanded
education opportunities
g Prosperity of middle class & upper
classes; gradual improvements for workers
h Long-term: affordability of goods;
improved living & working conditions; overuse of natural resources; abuse
of environment
1. Unique advantages: water power &
labor
2. Example of Best & Worst of I. R.
3. Child Labor: Factory Act of 1819—restricted
working ages & hours