From Farms to Factories

The early Modern Period of History brought upon revolutions resulting in power changes based on new ideas of freedom and reason, the Age of Enlightenment. The world during this time gave way to a different type of labor system that transformed from slave labor and farming to a freer, industrialized waged labor system. As stated in, World's Together Worlds Apart, scholars referred to this as the Industrial Revolution. The research comes from several sources focusing on the topics on the transition from feudalism to the Industrial Revolution.

Before industrialization people worked in villages and small towns manufacturing only goods produced from the land. Everyone in the community relied on goods produced locally, with the exception of the upper class (Lewis Hackett). Wealthy people were able to purchase products, such as clothing and food, from other areas that wasn't available to their region. Lower class people were given few rights or opportunities compared to the rich. Education was available primarily based on polices according to land ownership or military honors won. Life as a result was a constant battle against famine, a landlord, and being overworked without having equal rights or ability advance (Lewis Hackett).

The citizens of the 18th century revolted against the state and royalty demanding had the state adopt practices that abolished torture and accountability of rulers as well as a form of government where power resided in the people known as popular sovereignty. The Enlightenment

Europe was the first country to begin industrialization with the invention of the steam engine. (Pomeranz)

As conditions in industry changed social and political conditions changed with them.

Cities grew rapidly and the percentage of farmers in the total population declined.

Farm laborers and artisans transferred to the manufacturing businesses and became industrial workers. All family members, including women and children, worked in the factories to earn more money. Urban employers tried paying according to the tasks performed or the number of goods produced per day causing families to stay and work 12 or more hours to make more money. (p.584-5 Pomeranz)

They worked longer and harder to produce more for the market and to purchase more from the market allowing people to earn more money and live at higher standards. All social classes had the opportunity to purchase products that were once before only obtainable to the wealthy. (p.581 Pomeranz)

The increased product production caused a big expansion of worldwide trade. Trade helped cultivate the arrival of a new class of professionals to include accountants and lawyers. (p.581 Pomeranz)

Cities were not healthy places for urban dwellers. The drinking water was contaminated with chemicals from dyes as well as water that powered the mills.