GKE1 TASK 4

A:
The two most significant social consequences to come from the Industrial Revolution include urbanization and the increase in child labor. Before the Industrial Revolution took place, over 80% of the population lived in rural communities (BCP.ORG). With the rapid growth of population in the cities came disease and epidemics. According to Patricia Chappine, the wealthy fared far better than the industrial workers. The wealthy were able to afford housing on the outskirts of the large cities, while the industrial workers lived in what was called row housing (CHAPPINE). Row housing was introduced by the government to give factory workers and their families’ places to live. Often times, these houses were small, and as many as six people would share one bed. Not only were the living conditions inside the homes a concern, but the sanitation of the cities were an issue as well. Waste disposal systems were not heard of, and residents often threw their trash and waste onto the streets (CHAPPINE). In addition, the coal from all the factories created a film of grime all over the city and polluted the air. Another consequence that came from the Industrial Revolution, was the rise and use of child labor. During the Industrial Revolution, the agriculture business declined, which forced entire families to move to the larger cities. In order to pay for the cost of living both women and children were forced to work in the factories. In the textile factories, children were sought out for their nimble fingers and slight physique (KATRINA HONEYMAN). Not only were the children physically beneficial to the workplace, but because of their lack of experience and age the factory owners were able to pay them far less and save money in labor costs. In fact, children were paid one tenth of what the men were paid in the factories (BCP.ORG).
B:
The first Industrial Revolution