The Industrial Revolution, beginning in late 18th-century Britain, dramatically reshaped the nation's social and economic landscape. Prior to this period, a largely agrarian society existed, characterized by a relatively rigid social hierarchy. The aristocracy, owning vast tracts of land, occupied the top tier, followed by the gentry and the clergy. Below them were the yeoman farmers, artisans, and laborers, with the latter comprising the largest segment of the population. Access to resources, particularly land, directly correlated with social standing. Land ownership provided not only economic security but also significant political influence. The influx of new technologies, such as the steam engine and power loom, fueled unprecedented economic growth. Factories sprang up, particularly in urban centers, demanding a massive workforce. This led to a large-scale migration from rural areas to burgeoning industrial towns and cities. This mass movement of people irrevocably altered the existing class structure. The burgeoning factory system created a new class: the industrial bourgeoisie – factory owners and entrepreneurs who accumulated vast fortunes and acquired considerable power. Simultaneously, a massive working class, the proletariat, emerged, toiling in often dangerous and exploitative conditions. Their access to resources was severely limited, and their lives were characterized by poverty and insecurity. While some skilled laborers could achieve a measure of economic stability, the majority lived on the brink of destitution. The concentration of wealth in the hands of the industrial bourgeoisie created a stark contrast with the poverty of the working class. This disparity fueled social unrest and prompted calls for social and political reform. While the aristocracy initially retained much of its influence, the rise of the industrial bourgeoisie challenged its dominance. Access to resources, once primarily determined by land ownership, became increasingly linked to control over industrial production and capital. This period witnessed the beginning of a shift in power, with the newly wealthy industrialists gradually gaining influence in both the economic and political realms. The long-term consequences of this transformation continued to shape British society for generations to come, sparking debates about social justice, economic inequality, and the distribution of resources that persist to this day.
1. According to the passage, what was the primary determinant of social standing in pre-industrial Britain?
2. How did the Industrial Revolution affect the existing social hierarchy?
3. What was the main source of social unrest during and after the Industrial Revolution?
4. Which of the following best describes the change in access to resources brought about by the Industrial Revolution?