The Impact of the Industrial Revolution in Britain from 1750 to 1850

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During the period of 1750 to 1850, Great Britain experienced an economic growth that transformed the lives of Europeans. It was an era characterized by the rise of machine-powered factories, technological advances, the increase in population and the expansion of trade. The progression of this transformation, however manifested itself into social and living concerns for the working class. Opponents of the Industrial Revolution feel that the effect of free competition and trade is producing wealth without well-being. On the other hand, the advocates for industrialization and the introduction of machinery feel that the lives of the working class are actually improving. Although, the workers of this time period put forth compelling arguments against industrialization, I must settle in favor of industrialization. The process of industrializing brought new opportunities that advanced the lives of owners as well as workers. Economic growth and resources become more obvious for everyday workers. The benefits of the Industrial Revolution advances from the introduction of machinery in the textile industry, the ownership of businesses and the economic shift of urbanizing towns.
The textile industry was the first to benefit from the advances in machinery. Among the enthusiast for the factory system were the Cloth Merchants of Leeds. The town of Leeds was the center of wool manufacturing during the late 1700s. In their 1791 response letter to the workers of Leeds, the merchants do acknowledge that machines reduce labor, but would increase the wages of the workers. The merchant of Leeds advocates that the implementation of machines in the manufacturing of wool was necessary to compete in trade with other countries. (Harrison, 1965, 72-74) T...

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...has having labor dignity. The working class shared moral and values that were important to them such as family and culture. (Merriman, 2010, 559)
It is evident that the Industrial Revolution had a great impact on the lives of many throughout the European continent. Even though some may oppose the changes that sparks the industrial process in Great Britain, it is clear that the benefits of the Industrial Revolution advanced from the introduction of machinery in the textile industry, the ownership of businesses and the economic shift of urbanizing towns. Because of the growth during Industrial Revolution people began to live better. The process of industrializing brought new opportunities that advanced the lives of owners as well as workers. It’s through this era that came many great inventions that have afforded us some the luxuries we have today in manufacturing.

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