Impact of Industrial Revolution on Peasants, Urban Labor and Bourgeoisie

Running head: HISTORY ESSAY
History Essay
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1HISTORY ESSAY
Introduction:
The essay aims at focusing on Industrial Revolution. Industrial Revolution refers to the
rapid industrial development that took place in Britain in the later part of the 18th and 19th through
the introduction of the machinery. The revolution was characterized by growth of the factories,
steam power and mass production of the manufactured goods. The essay primarily discusses
about the impact of industrial revolution on the lives of peasants, urban labors and the
bourgeoisie.
Discussion:
The Agricultural Revolution that preceded Industrial Revolution led to the increase in the
food supply and decrease in the quantity of labor (Kerridge 2013). The major objective of
agriculture was the production of sufficient food for the prevention of famine. The overwhelming
fear of starvation made the farmers not only skeptical but also conservative. The basic impact of
demand and supply was the reason behind the class conflicts in the pre industrial world.
Increased population and bad harvest affected the food price that led to the increase in wealth of
the aristocrats and the death of the peasants. A revolution was thus necessary in every aspect of
the agricultural production that would help in eliminating the curse of famine.
The increased dependence on technology, centralization of the production factors and
questioning of the traditional agricultural methods prepared the ground for Industrial Revolution.
Industrial Revolution took place at a time that represented the relationship between the
property owner and the peasant to dissolve (Smelser, 2013). There was also a time when there
was a change in the social system that considered all class with equal responsibilities and rights.
The onset of the Industrial Revolution let to a market economy that was profit oriented where the