How did the Industrial Revolution affect social classes?

The impact of the Industrial Revolution on social classes was significant, as it indeed created a distinct divide between the industrial working class and the wealthy industrialists. As factories emerged and the economy transitioned from agrarian to industrial, a new social class structure developed. Wealth began to concentrate in the hands of industrialists and entrepreneurs who owned and operated factories, while a large labor force emerged consisting of workers who operated machinery and performed manual labor.

These workers, often subjected to long hours, low wages, and poor working conditions, found themselves in stark contrast to the affluent industrialists. This situation highlighted not only economic inequalities but also social disparities, as the working class developed its own identity, consciousness, and aspirations. Organizations such as labor unions began to form in response to the struggles faced by workers, advocating for better conditions and rights. This divide fundamentally altered the social landscape and perpetuated discussions around class struggle and the rights of the working class, laying the groundwork for future social reforms and movements. Thus, the Industrial Revolution did more than just boost industrial output; it reshaped the society, forming clearer and more pronounced distinctions between different social classes.