Blog 6

What did humankind gain from the Industrial Revolution, and what did it lose? As Strayer states, the industrial Revolution was a major turning point in history. New inventions in producing goods, trade, and agriculture helped Europe globally. It was a period of economic development characterized by a population boom and rural-to-urban migration. The industrial revolution led to the efficient production of goods, lower prices for commodities, increased job opportunities, better quality of life, and higher motivation from the changing world landscape. Innovation changed the face of the globe with the introduction of machines to supplement human labor and generate mass production to boost trade. The machines also improved all aspects of life including education, healthcare, nutrition, communication, transport, lighting, and the overall human appearance. Industrialization increased the wealth of merchants. Also, it led to the establishment of the middle-class which constitutes the majority of the working class. Better transportation networks and infrastructure were developed to enhance speed and time span for moving goods and services. The invention of steam inspired the development of the steam engine which enhanced the convenience of moving luggage and people. The desire for a better transport network led to the construction of a rail network which enhanced trade by making it easier for merchants to move goods. However, the industrial revolution spelled doom for agriculture. It led to the loss of farming as the world experienced mass displacement from farm regions to urban centers. Strayer notes an extended period of food scarcity because strong people left for the cities while the weak were left behind in the countryside. The industrial revolution also marked the beginning of an interminable sequence of environmental pollution. Air pollution emanating from carbon compounds released into the atmosphere by automobile engines and manufacturing plants has resulted in airborne diseases, global warming, and climate change. Deforestation due to urban expansion has ripped the world off of water catchment areas in the disguise of development projects. This led to low rainfall, long-term drought, desert encroachment, and food scarcity. Additionally, the disposal of non-biodegradable waste on land, use of excessive fertilizers, soil erosion, and inefficient farming methods caused soil pollution. The use of gasoline-powered engines to steer ships often results in spillovers which pollute water. Industrialization also led to undesirable working conditions as profit-driven merchants exposed workers to poor working conditions with the aim of amassing lucrative profits at the employees’ expense. And finally, unscrupulous businessmen capitalized on child labor to maximize individual proceeds.