Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/history/1671034-pros-and-con-of-industrial-revolution
https://studentshare.org/history/1671034-pros-and-con-of-industrial-revolution.
Pros and Con of Industrial Revolution The Industrial revolution is the foundation of every economic, political, and social aspect of the modern times. The strides that western countries made during this period catapulted them into new heights of consumption and provision of services. It is the only period in record that technological innovation was made at every major aspect of civilization. The revolution led to the realization of knowledge gaps and ways in which European countries could explore their full potential.
In addition, it led to the emergence of new social ills, which have been present and prevalent ever since. The gains of the revolution outweigh the losses incurred because it elevated human capacity to new heights that had never been witnessed before in history.ProsThe revolution led to advances in the agriculture sector. The economy in the 18th and 19th century was based solely on agriculture (More 85). The revolution brought in new ideas that created shifts to the economy to make it more flexible and ensure the flow of wealth across all sectors.
Industrial based economy spread the wealth evenly thus guaranteeing job security and specialization of professions. The industry also relied on skills developed over time regarding the performance of the jobs related to it. Many people were able to gain employment since the occupation did not require any extra knowledge to conduct the required job.Industrial revolution led to the enhancement of resource allocation and its use. The revolution became feasible due to the diminishing resources while the population was still growing at a fast pace.
The revolution invented ways to ensure that resources such as food, water, basic facilities were allocated effectively. Improved agricultural methods such as water irrigation techniques and water harvesting are some examples used to enhance resource allocation.Cons Prior to the revolution, unemployment was not an issue affecting the countries’ economies. However, unemployment became worse after the industrial revolution. Most people were replaced in their capacities to perform certain duties with the introduction of machines.
This meant that they had difficulties in providing for their families thus degrading their life standards even further. They became vulnerable to contacting diseases. Subsequently the lack of employment led to an increase in crime and the emergence of shanties since people were unwilling to relocate back to villages.Citizens’ migration from the rural to urban areas in search of jobs led to a deficit in knowledge gaps (Hopkins 26). Aged and unlearned individuals in the society were left, and their vulnerabilities to epidemics, poverty, and hunger were greatly increased.
People become more disconnected with their families, and the social characterization was shifted. Additionally, villages were left at a deplorable state and could not experience growth at the same pace as urban towns. Productivity in the countryside diminished, and it became hard for food to supplement the needs of the nation. More people became concentrated in industrial based occupations and forgot the importance of agriculture. The Industrial revolution benefits outweigh the disadvantages it brought about.
It shifted the productivity, service delivery, and potential of most economic sectors. The standards of living were raised tremendously, and education became a key aspect towards the continuity of growth. The impacts it imparted on the social and economic lifestyle of most people cannot be ignored. The challenges faced today because of the revolution are also critical, but the lessons learned have enabled us to cope with the situation. Works CitedHopkins, Eric. Industrialization and Society. London: Routledge, 2013. Print.More, Charles.
Understanding the Industrial Revolution. New York, NY: Routledge, 2002. Print.
Read More