Overall in history, many events seek to become turning points that affect the environment
that individuals live. The focal points make the foundation for continuities and changes in many
parts of the world. In Britain, the Industrial Revolution was of great significance in staging
civilization and mechanism of conducting essential activities. The changes impacted on
economic, political, and social practices. Even though the postulated changes by the Industrial
Revolution were welcomed, some individuals sought to remain conservative. The duties of
women, growth of cities in Britain, and the invention of production techniques constituted the
most significant changes associated with the Industrial Revolution.
Before the Industrial Revolution, Britain was dominated by an agrarian society. The
community members used to till their land to make money. The scenario changed upon the
inception of the Industrial Revolution. Automated production was adopted because of the
increased inventions and amalgamation of modern techniques. For instance, James Hargreaves’s
spinning jenny was of great significance in increasing the production of cotton cloth
(Hepplewhite 67). Mathew Boulton and James Watt were also attributed to the discovery of
steam engines, which elevated productivity. The steam engines constituted one of the most
important inventions for mechanization (Hepplewhite 68). The power looms allowed the fast
accomplishment of tasks as little labor was required in the production of cloth. Although these
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changes were imminent and escalated productivity, some activities could not be automated.
Human labor was still needed alongside the machines.
Urbanization was one of the changes witnessed during the Industrial Revolution. It
entailed the movement of people from their farms to the cities. Before the era, many individuals
were peasants and lived out in the country (Ashworth 58). Their primary occupation was farming
and lived at their homes. However, the Industrial Era called for the migration of people to the
urban areas in search of jobs as factories had started growing. The increased productivity
facilitated surplus food and the population. The phenomenon called for the people to create new
homes in the cities. Although technology had decreased the demand for human labor in the
farms, some individuals opted not to move to the urban areas.
Another conspicuous change in the Industrial Revolution included the duties allocated to
women. Before this era, women took care of their children, did housework, and tended their
husbands. The Industrial Revolution changed the position of women as they could now work far
from their homes. Women were employed in factories as the farms, which they used to work
before, were not their main source of income (Griffin 78). They moved to cities in search of
other works outside their homes. Even though women suffered severe challenges from their male
counterparts, they still held their jobs as the era proceeded. Women had more time to work as
their children joined free schools. The scenario enabled women to undertake senior jobs like
sales personnel, teaching, secretaries, and nursing (Griffin 80). The era made the foundation for
women to shine in fields that were formally dominated by men.
Women sought to be allowed to participate in the making of government and holding of
positions in leadership. The scenario was orchestrated by the suffrage movement that was
gaining momentum (Van 45). The movement called for the women to vote and participate in a
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democratic process. These changes elevated the women’s position in the community as they
could now be considered equal to men. Although women were empowered to take such positions
in leadership and work, they could not earn enough to provide for their families. The society saw
men as the sole providers for themselves and their families (Van 46). Even as patriarchal views
continued, women gained more rights during the Industrial Revolution.
In summary, from the 18 th to late 20 th Centuries, Britain experienced significant changes
in economic, social, and political fields. During this era, changes were touching on the
automation of production, urbanization, and increased women’s rights. The metamorphosis was
orchestrated by the amazing new inventions, understanding of equality, and the mechanism to
feed the nation. These issues impact the world today. Although there were endeavors to maintain
the revolution, some of the anticipated practices did not fully replace the old ones as individuals
sought to remain conservative.
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Works Cited
Ashworth, William J. The Industrial Revolution: The State, Knowledge and Global Trade. Print
book: English, 2017. Print
Griffin, Emma. A Short History of the British Industrial Revolution. London: Palgrave, 2018.
Print
Hepplewhite, Peter. All About: The Industrial Revolution. Hachette Childrens Group, 2015. Print
Van, Neuss, L. "Why Did The Industrial Revolution Start In Britain?” SSRN Electronic
Journal, 2015. Elsevier BV, doi:10.2139/ssrn.2696076.