Industrial Revolution Changes

Introduction

During the 18th century, the way goods were produced and the way work was organized changed radically in western countries such Great Britan . It has changed how work was done from muscle power to machine power . New forms of power such as steam replaced animal and human power. These changes made it possible to produce more goods at lower costs. Due to the success of the industrial revolution, many artists were inspired to portray the many aspects and changes brought about by the Industrial revolution. Most Art Exhibitions are accurate representations of the era of the Industrial Revolution because they are able to depict or portray some aspects of industrialization namely: industrial changes, agricultural changes and social consequences.

Industrial changes

Industrial Revolution changed how work was done. It brought about many changes in producing goods. Machines were invented to do work. Factories were built to produce more goods more quickly and efficiently. New forms of power particularly steam replaced animals.Steam engines revolutionized industry and transportation. Placard A, Inventions of the Industrial

Revolution shows steam engines that were used to power trains, boats and other transportation system. Coal was used to generate power to run machines in factories. Coal mining town in the city in France as shown in Placard C, French Coal-Mining Town displays the importance of coal to power most machineries as well as transportation system during the Industrial Revolution. Iron and coal were used in making machines, locomotive wheels, railroad tracks, bridges as shown in this British Industrial Era Painting.
Agricultural Changes
New farm machineries were introduced in the 18th century.

Agriculture revolution has allowed farmers to improve farming facilities through the use of new machineries . Mechanization has helped farmers to produce sufficient food and expand its production.. Along with mechanization, new agricultural methods were introduced and devised which resulted in larger and better harvests. For example, Charles Townshend introduced crop rotation, a practice of alternating crops grown in field from year to year.This method helped maintain fertile soil. Machines powered by coal replaced animal and human power. Placard E, Innovations in farming, illustrates farm workers using machines to harvest grains. These new farm machineries resulted to increased farm production and made it possible to feed a growing population especially in Great

Britain.
Social Consequences
The factory system during the Industrial Revolution produced goods efficiently, but it was a hard way of life for most workers. Wages were very low. Sick workers received no pay and were often fired. Sometimes, men workers were replaced by women and children who were paid lower wages. Children work long hours. The minimum age for workers was 12 years old. The painting Child Labor shows boys pushing a cart full of coals. Placard J, Workers in Coal Mine shows women and children as part of the labor force. Placard F, Japanese Silk Factory, portrays women workers only while the men are supervising. Living conditions of most workers were miserable. The artwork entitled Contrast of Rich and Poor shows the miserable living conditions of many workers in coal mines while the rich businessmen or factory owners lived in luxury.

Conclusion
Industrial changes such as the use of coal and steam engine to power machines are very evident in most artworks. Changes in agriculture are eminent in one painting which portrays the use of modern farm machineries to replace animals and human power. Finally, some problems brought about by industrialization on workers, especially on women and children are accurately portrayed in some pieces of art. It is therefore fitting to claim that the Art Exhibitions have accurately represented the era of Industrial Revolution.