Industrialization

Brianne Springer
2/22/14
5th hr
Industrialization: Positive or Negative?

The Industrial Revolution began in England during the eighteenth century. This was the shift from making goods by hand to making them by machine. Some might argue that Industrialization had negative consequences on soceity because of the lack of labor laws, however, it was actually a positive thing for socitey. Industrialization's positive effects include increace in work and an increase in production. Industrialization had an effect of population explosion and abundant resources. For example, as food production increased, population increased. This created a large workforce. Some of the increaced resources include; water power, coal, iron ore, river and harbors. (Industrialization notes 1/30/14) Also, manufacturing became easier with better equipment and more workers. For example, five workers in a factory were able to make ten units of an item all at once. (Docuement four) These examples represent positive increases caused by Industrialization. Many people were able to get jobs during the 1800s, this was because Industrialization allowed many people to work in factories, including teens and children. A sixteen year old named Mary found her employment very pleasing, and wrote a letter to her father expressing her satifaction. She states that she gets along with her boss and co-workers. Mary also writes that she eats well and gets along fine at her boarding place. She advised any girl seeking employment to come to her place of work, Lowell. (Document one) This document shows factories and work as a positive effect. Despite the many positive effects of Industrialization, there were also negative effects. For example, families were not able to spend much time together, if any at all. They had to work such long hours that the only spare time they had was when they slept. (Document two) Another example of a negative effect was child labor. Not only adults and teens worked in factories, but children as well. Children were forced to work in dangerous conditons for long hours, they were beat if they were spotted falling asleep on the job. (Document eight) Workers forced to work in dangerous factories had a low life expectancy and were often injured. These are all examples of the negative effects Industrialization had on society. Overall, Industrialization had a positive effect on society. Population exploded and there became an abundance of resources. Manufacturing became more productive and goods became cheaper. As Industrialization became more familiar, factory conditions and housing conditions became better for the new employee's. Industrialization inflated the growth and productivity which is what makes us so productive today.