12 Industrial Revolution Pros and

Cons
June 22, 2017 by Louise Gaille

https://vittana.org/12-industrial-revolution-pros-and-cons

Our society would not be where it is today without the industrial revolution.
Because of the technologies produced by this era, we have everything from
skyscrapers to computers to automobiles.

On the other hand, if the industrial revolution had never happened, we may not be
facing the global warming crisis that seems to be knocking on our front door. Our
oceans may not be as acidified and melting ice caps may not be a worry.

There are several industrial revolution pros and cons to consider. Here are some of
the key thoughts to look at.

What Are the Pros of the Industrial Revolution?

1. It increased job opportunities.
The industrial revolution made it possible for more people to have jobs. Before this
era, jobs were based on educational studies, family traditions, or a unique talent
that someone had. When factories began to be built around the world, it allowed
people to earn a living in a way that was very different in the past. It gave the
average person an opportunity to change their stars. Numerous stories, from
George Stephenson to Richard Arkwright, showed how one person could change
the course of the world with these technologies.
2. It inspired innovation.
Great wealth was available within the industrial revolution. One example of this is
the wealth that Andrew Carnegie developed in the steel industry, making him one
of the richest people to have ever lived. His wealth was over $300 billion in
today’s value. Because of the opportunities available to build wealth, many looked
to create and innovate for their chance to take advantage of what the era offered.
3. Production levels increased.
Before the industrial revolution, many products were built or made by hand. This
required a specific time investment by the creator, so mass production was
virtually impossible. The industrial revolution changed that. Factories allowed for
groups of people to be more productive than one person on their own. It allowed
for better products to be made or improved services to be given. This allowed for
communities to improve their quality of living over time because there was greater
access to goods and services.
4. Competition was created.
Because multiple products could be made in any industry or sector, free market
economies began to develop. Instead of consumers being reliant on a business or
provider to give them what they needed, they could choose from a variety of
products so they could best meet their own needs. The industrial revolution shifted
power away from businesses and into the hands of consumers.

5. It improved processes in virtually any sector.

After the industrial revolution, buildings could be made better. Transportation no
longer required a horse. Clothing could be more durable and wouldn’t need to be
made at home. Food products became cheaper to produce. Almost every sector of
commerce and industry improved during this period, making products and services
better even if there wasn’t a direct influence on the industrial revolution.
6. It reduced the influences of borders.
Before the industrial revolution, trade and commerce were restricted to the national
level at best. International trade was present, but difficult, because of the immense
cost of transporting goods. The industrial revolution made transportation easier and
cheaper, which allowed businesses to create an international presence for their
brand. This allowed for communities to experience new goods or services while
still enjoying local products.
 

What Are the Cons of the Industrial Revolution?

1. It changed the world from being a rural culture to an urban culture.
People flocked to the opportunities that were available thanks to the industrial
revolution because even entry-level jobs were more valuable than agricultural work
or family business opportunities. Many people moved out of their rural homes so
they could be closer to the factories where they could get a “good” job. This made
it difficult to access food products for close to a generation as societies struggled to
adapt to the changes.
2. We still don’t know the effects of pollution on our planet.
According to NRDC, all but 1 of the 16 hottest years in the last 134 years of
record-keeping have occurred since the year 2000. The industrial revolution is not
the only source of atmospheric and global pollution, but it is a major contributor.
The coal industry on its own generates 1.7 billion tons of carbon emissions every
year. We do not know what the long-term consequences of this era will be.
3. Working conditions can be brutal.
Before unions were created and worker safety protections were mandated by
national governments, businesses could focus on profit alone. The working
conditions in many of the first factories during the industrial revolution were
horrible. People would be forced to work long hours for low wages, have few
breaks, and worked in close proximity with potentially hundreds or thousands of
other workers. Disease, stress, and death were common in those early factories.
4. It wasn’t a global phenomenon.
Not every nation has experienced their own industrial revolution. Many of the
poorest nations in the world today rely on the goods and services that are provided
by industries outside their borders, which means what few resources they have go
to products they need instead of building their own infrastructure. It has created a
wealth gap between industrialized and non-industrialized nations that may never
really be eliminated.

5. It requires natural resources.

Most of the processes developed during the industrial revolutions require fossil
fuels to operate. Fossil fuels are finite by definition, which means one day they will
eventually run out. Unless new technologies are developed to replace the complete
reliance on fossil fuels that exists in some sectors, the developed world may one
day revert to an undeveloped state and this will cause another societal shift – from
urban to rural.
6. Local jobs got poached.
Because profits were the primary concern of businesses during the industrial
revolution, it created a race to the bottom in terms of worker wages. Businesses
could hire the workers that would work for the lowest amount. This meant local
jobs could get poached by foreign workers who were willing to work for much
lower wages. This poaching process also limited the need for individual
craftsmanship and skill, so people began to conform to the needs of the business
instead of embracing their individuality.
The industrial revolution pros and cons are a struggle.
On one side, we have the fact that our society wouldn’t be where it is today
without it. On the other side, our society may not be able to continue to exist
because of it. Only one thing is for certain: we must continue to focus on
innovation without compromising safety or value. If we can do this, then we can
continue to enjoy the benefits that the industrial revolution has provided.