Since the 1800s, people have debated whether the Industrial Revolution was a blessing or a curse.
The early industrial age brought terrible hardships. In time, however, reformers pressed for laws to
improve working conditions by introducing safety reforms. Labor unions won the right to bargain with
employers for better wages, hours, and working conditions. Eventually, this allowed the working-class
men have opportunities in gaining the right to vote, which gave them political power, which had only been
given to those who owned land or were wealthy. However, through their continued hardships and
struggles, women are continued to be left behind where males would see strides.
Despite the social problems created by the Industrial Revolution-low pay, dismal living conditions
the Industrial Age did have some positive effects. As demand for mass-produced goods grew, new
factories opened, which in turn created more jobs. Wages rose so that workers had an upward rise in their
standard of living. This meant they had enough left after paying rent and buying food to spend for a
newspaper or visit a music hall (for entertainment and fun). As the cost of railroad travel fell, people could
visit family in other towns. Horizons widened and opportunities increased as European cities started to
flourish its own national identity.
Question #8: Explain the overall focus based upon what you have learned about the impact and
results of industrialization? (5 sentence minimum response required)