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Industrial Revolution and Its Social Consequences

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Running Head: THe Industrial Revolution and its social consequences.|
The Industrial Revolution and its social consequences|
Communism vs. Capitalism|
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VeeP
1/16/2014|

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Two most significant social consequences of the First Industrial Revolution was the change in family life and Urbanization. The Industrial Revolution which began in the 18th Century and continuing into the 19th Century included manufacturing of goods, transportation and communication. Great Britain and the United States were at the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. (Masur) Steam was the source of power for the looms and other machines in the factories, as well as for the steam boats which soon replaced sail boats because they were more reliable and faster.
There was little need for human judgment and creativity in the mechanized factory. Unskilled laborers were replacing skilled artisans. The only job requirement was speed and stamina to be on your feet at the machines for hours with little or no breaks. The majority of factory jobs were held by children and women in the 18th century. (Honeyman, 2008)
Within the Cottage System, families worked together at their own pace with no outside management. Parents were in control in the homes and dictated the pace and task for the day. Increase in industrialization meant many families who previously worked together in their homes to provide goods and services now had to work in factories. While in the factories however, parents often worked side by side with their children and had no control of their children while at work. They were all supervised and directed by managers and owners. Mechanization was the replacement of human and animal labor with machines. (Zonderman, 1992)
Factory workers faced many challenges. According to Karl Marx these people were exploited and oppressed. (Holborn, 1980) They worked long hours,

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