How did the Industrial Revolution affect social classes?

The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed social structures, and one of its most notable impacts was the emergence of a distinct working class. As industries grew and factories proliferated, large numbers of people moved from rural areas to urban centers in search of jobs. This migration contributed to the formation of a new social class comprised of factory workers who operated machinery and performed manual labor in challenging conditions.

This working class became increasingly aware of their shared experiences and conditions, leading to the development of a class identity that distinguished them from the bourgeoisie, or middle class, which consisted of owners and managers of production. As a result, the Industrial Revolution not only created economic and occupational divisions but also fostered a sense of solidarity within the working class, setting the stage for future movements advocating for labor rights and social reform.

Other options do not accurately reflect the outcomes of this era; for instance, wealth distribution did not become more equal, and existing social classes were not eradicated. The wealthy industrial middle class, in fact, expanded during this period, as new opportunities arose in industrial ventures.