The overall shift of the population was also significant -- in pre-industrial England more than three-quarters of the population lived in cities; by mid nineteenth century over half of the population lived in cities (Ashton, 49). The United States experienced similar urbanization as a result of the industrial revolution. In 1860 there were only 9 American cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants but by 1900, such cities had increased to 38 (Porter, para on "Growth of Cities") The effect of the Industrial Revolution on individual members of the working class was also significant. It resulted in loss of the traditional family structure, as many single male members of rural peasant families moved to cities in search of jobs in the factories. Most of these factory workers had to live and work in appalling conditions, away from their families. The monotony of the specialized and repetitive work in mechanized factories, which was based on the principle of 'division of labor,' took its toll on the mental and physical health of the workers. As a result, socialist movements that fought for improved working conditions for the working class, gained strength across Europe in the 19th century. Karl Marx (1818-1883) formulated his living conditions of a majority of the population.
Works Cited

Ashton, T.S. The Industrial Revolution, 1760-1830. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.

Porter, Glenn. "Industrial Revolution." Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia Online, 2007. June 2, 2007 http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761577952/Industrial_Revolution.html

Neolithic Revolution' (also known as the 'Agricultural Revolution') occurred 10~12,000 years ago when people moved from social systems based on hunting and gathering to more complex communities dependent on agriculture and the domestication of animals.

Industrial Revolution