660 - 667 (Assign 17)

Industrial Society

• Transformation through Industrialization

  • Industrialization brought significant benefits such as inexpensive manufactured goods, rising living standards, and population growth.

  • However, it also caused dramatic social changes, including massive migrations from rural areas to industrial cities and substantial European migration to the Americas.

  • The emergence of new social classes, particularly the middle class and the working class, led to adjustments in family and work life.

  • Reformers sought to address the social and economic problems from industrialization, with socialists being prominent critics advocating for a more equitable society.

Industrial Demographics

• Efficiency and Affordability

  • Industrialization led to increased efficiencies in production, providing affordable goods and displaying them at exhibitions like the 1851 London Crystal Palace.

  • Notable industrial products included textiles, iron goods, and machine tools from various countries, showcasing advancements such as the American system of manufacture.

  • The cost of clothing and food decreased significantly due to industrial production and improved transportation, leading to a more varied lifestyle for most people.

  • A growing consumer culture emerged as industrial factories produced more tools and household items.

Population Growth

• Rising Populations

  • European and Euro-American populations increased sharply from the 18th to 19th centuries, reflecting improved living conditions and prosperity.

  • Between 1700 and 1900, Europe's population rose from 105 million to 390 million, while the Americas saw their populations grow to 145 million by 1900.

  • Countries like Argentina experienced extraordinary population growth, with increases of 1,583%.

  • Improvements in medical care and nutrition led to a decline in mortality, especially childhood mortality.

Medical Advances and the Demographic Transition

• Impact of Vaccination

  • Edward Jenner's smallpox vaccination laid the groundwork for modern immunology, significantly reducing disease and mortality rates.

  • Medical advances contributed to declining birth and death rates, leading to the demographic transition in industrial societies.

Urbanization and Migration

• Migration to Urban Centers

  • Urban populations boomed as people moved from rural areas to cities for work, with industrial Britain leading in urbanization.

  • By 1900, 50% of the population in industrialized areas lived in towns with significant populations.

  • Major cities like London and New York experienced a tremendous increase in inhabitants during this period.

• Challenges of Urban Life

  • Rapid urbanization resulted in substantial environmental pollution and poor living conditions.

  • Disease outbreaks were common due to unsanitary conditions, contributing to high mortality rates in overcrowded urban areas.

  • Wealth determined the quality of living, with the working poor confined to substandard housing in city centers.

Social Structure Changes

• New Social Classes

  • Industrialization led to a reorganization of traditional social structures, with new social classes emerging: the wealthy industrialists, the middle class, and the working class.

  • The working class often lived in poverty and faced exploitation, while the middle class benefited from industrial wealth.

Industrial Families and Work Life

• Transformation of Family Dynamics

  • The industrial age changed family economies as work moved out of the home, leading to distinct separations between family life and work.

  • Family members began working separately in factories rather than contributing together at home.

  • Workers experienced long hours and poor conditions, often leading to interventions and reforms.

Gender Roles and Child Labor

• Changing Roles of Women and Children

  • Women transitioned from farm-based roles to factory jobs, although many were expected to conform to domestic roles later on.

  • Child labor became a highlight of industrial exploitation, leading to stricter regulations as societies recognized the need for education over work.

• Socialism and Critique of Industrial Society

  • Socialists criticized the conditions birthed from industrialization and sought to address inequities and advocate for labor rights.