Ap World History Dbq Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a life changing time. As the world changed in many ways, so did the community and the people that lived in it. There was so much good, yet so much bad that occurred all at one. While some might argue that Industrialization had primarily negative consequences for society because of the filthy and dangerous work places and cities, it was actually a positive thing for society. Industrialization positive effects were increased productivity, technological advancements, and worker reforms.

Industrialization affected many things, but the increase in productivity in the workplace was one of the greatest. It spread mainly in the factory, with new methods and machines. “One person doing all five required steps in manufacturing

“During the 1800s there were few laws in Britain regulating the employment of children,” (Document#7). In the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, there were few to none laws controlling how long or under what conditions anyone worked, even kids. In spite of the horrible working conditions for all, workers were to be flooded with beneficial change in a few decades. In The Working Man’s Companion, it is written “you are surrounded… with an infinite number of comforts and conveniences which had no existence two or three centuries ago,” (Document #9). After years of horrid working conditions, worker unions were formed to create new laws for employers. As time went on the factories got cleaner, workers received better pay and shorter working hours. It all seemed like a fantastic dream to the employees at large factories as their lives slowly changed from horrible to livable situations. “Those comforts are not used only by a few, but are within the reach of almost all men,” (Document #9). Although the rich entrepreneurs enjoyed the spoils of what would now be considered sweatshops for a long time, the poor was not left out. Everyone’s life improved, no matter how little, as the reforms took effect. The reforms for workers were essential for the growth and advancement of society as a whole. Nevertheless, there was no individual change that could shape the Industrial Revolution without other