It is difficult to imagine life without social classes as this has been particularly prevalent in the UK for a very long time. It was not always quite like this, however, as the Industrial Revolution from around 1760 to around 1820 had an enormous impact on society through the industrial and economic developments that this period of history brought.
Transformed Industries
Various key industries in the UK were transformed through the transition to new manufacturing processes domestically and overseas with advances in agriculture, industry, shipping and trade. The industrial revolution, essentially, kick-started growth after a period of slow growth for Britain. Previously, the economy from the Middle Ages was agricultural and soon towns would form which would provide these areas with the ability to trade and hold markets – this helped the entire economy to grow.
Urbanisation
Industry also started to grow shortly after with the mining industry expanding thanks to the Atmospheric Steam Engine allowing miners to drain mines. Large businesses began to form in these towns which caused more and more people to flock to these areas in seek of employment – this led to the phenomenon of urbanisation. Soon, industrialists, merchants and ship owners became very wealthy through industrial change while others both lived and worked in terrible conditions. This includes children working in factories where they were often mistreated and exploited.
Political Change
As a result of all of this drastic change and unrest in Britain, there was a need for social and political change. Social welfare, education, labour rights, abolition of the slave trade and equality all became key issues which led to the Great Reform Act of 1832.
Banking
The population grew a staggering 260% between 1750 and 1900 with around 15% of the population living in towns in 1750 and then 85% by 1900. The growth in capital and the need for credit led to the development of banking with banks being established by the private manufacturers and wealthy individuals beginning to issue paper money to provide payment for labour and to purchase raw materials. This, of course, would become a huge part of modern life and it is interesting to think how banking has changed with most of it now being carried out online at places like Think Money.
Formation of Social Classes
With so many people in these urban areas, and some earning much more than others, the population soon became divided into social classes which remain to this day with the rich holding all of the power. The wealthy and the middle class were able to enjoy places like the theatre and concert halls but the poor had minimum comforts and would work and live in poor conditions.
It is clear then that the Industrial Revolution had an enormous impact on Britain but not all of it was positive. There are numerous benefits such as the advance in numerous industries, the introduction of banking, workers rights and the formation of different towns, but it also radically changed the landscape of society. The influx of people to the cities and rapid growth of population made life very difficult for many while others prospered. Today, social class remains a key issue in life with huge disparity between the wealthy elite and the working class – something that is evident not just in Britain but around the entire world.