The Industrial Revolution

Population of Britain in 1750 6 million Population of Britain in 1851 21 million Population of London in 1750 500,000 Population of London in 1851 3 million Families in agriculture in 1750 65% of population Families in agriculture in 1851 25% of population

Advantages of the Industrial Revolution Goods were able to be produced much more cheaply. Greater job opportunities Increase in wealth and in general the quality of life Technology- new inventions make life easier and more efficient Improved farming methods

What were the COSTS of the Industrial Revolution? Terrible living conditions for the Industrial working class Tenements- dirty & crowded Spread of diseases Harsh working conditions in factories and mines Hours were long (12-16 hours, 6-7 days per week) Rare breaks Injuries caused by machines with no safety devices If sick or injured on the job- you lose your job Unhealthy workplace Mines- darkness, dust, explosions, back-breaking work Worker protests (sometimes violent) Child Labor Children started working at age 7 or 8 (some even as young as 5) Children needed to work to help family

What are the effects of the Industrial Revolution? Urbanization- rise of large cities & exchange of new ideas Increase in human population- Why? More food, better hygiene, improved medical care = people are healthier New social class- industrial middle class

Cripples in the Yard of the Children's Home in London

Video Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Efq-aNBkvc&feature=related (stop at 3:08 of the video)

Your Opinion Was the Industrial Revolution a blessing or a curse? Explain.