Societal Impact of The Industrial Revolution

Why did overpopulation occur during the Industrial Revolution?

People moved from the countryside to cities for work, leading to overcrowding and the formation of slums.

How does A Christmas Carol reference overpopulation?

Scrooge dismisses the working class as the “surplus population,” reflecting economist Thomas Malthus’ ideas on population control.

How does the Cratchit household reflect the impact of the Industrial Revolution?

Bob Cratchit, his wife, and six children live in a cramped “four-roomed house,” illustrating the poor living conditions of the working class.

What was a major consequence of cramped housing during the Industrial Revolution?

The spread of disease increased due to poor sanitation and overcrowding.

How did the Industrial Revolution affect childhood?

Many children had to work from as young as five years old to support their families, preventing them from attending school.

Why was child labour common during the Industrial Revolution?

Factories needed cheap labour, and children were the most affordable workers.

How does A Christmas Carol highlight the struggles of children in the Industrial Revolution?

The figures of "Ignorance" and "Want" represent the suffering of poor children, emphasizing the dangers of lack of education and extreme poverty.