The Industrial Revolution's positive and negative impacts on society

Industrial Revolution was one of the momentous eras in history. The Industrial Revolution had an impact on all levels of society as it instigated the change from an agriculture-and-handicrafts focused economy to one replaced by industries, machines, and large-scale manufacturing. The positive impacts are evident in the manner the goods and products are manufactured and the improvements in the way of living in all classes of societies across the world. However, it is important to point out is that the Industrial Revolution has had negative influences as well. To begin with, the level of pollution increased in magnitude never seen before, affecting the environment adversely. Another shortcoming was the decrease in earnings along with significant deterioration in working conditions. There was also a proliferation of the number of working children and women, which negatively affected family structures.[footnoteRef:2] The positives, on the other hand, include great advances in technology, increased level of communication; advances in science and medicine, populaces were able to move easily owing to increased mobility and the development of new innovations, for instance the internal-combustion engine. [2: King, Steven., Timmins, Geoferry. Making Sense of the Industrial Revolution: English Economy and Society 1700-1850. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2001.]

Thesis:The Industrial and Agricultural Revolutions changed the way societies lived, improving efficiency and better use of resources as also marked by great interest in education, arts, literature, and music. Owing to the increased productivity, all levels of society experienced much higher and better standards of living than ever before.[footnoteRef:3] [3: Stears, Peter, N. The Industrial Revolution in World History. London: Westview Press, 2013.]

Industrial revolutions

During the course of the Industrial Revolution, the major role played by the government was to maintain peace, even engaging in wars towards maintaining stability, sustain civil order and enforcement of law. The Industrial Revolution brought about an unparalleled growth and advancement within the society. The government took up the laissez-faire route and also permitted capitalism propounded by Adam Smith. The government imposed very minimal regulations on the factory and industry guidelines. In turn, this facilitated the wealthy individuals to follow the most profitable paths ignoring welfare and safety of the industrial workers. However, in the end, the government did have to play a role of intercession to put a stop to child labor and other intolerable practices.2

The French Revolutions of 1830 and 1848 were two major occurrences that not only affected the French society but also that of the whole of Europe. Social and political dissatisfaction ignited revolutions in France in 1830 and 1848, which consequently enthused revolts in other parts of Europe. The main impact of these two revolutions is the outcome of national liberalism. For instance, a revolution in Belgium resulted in a creation of a liberal regime and a newly formed independent nation. At the time, the Dutch were ruling Belgium and the nationalists in the nation were bothered by the restrictions on freedom placed on the press and education. In addition, these revolutions also influenced Britain, as it led to majority of the middle class members empowered with the parliamentary vote.[footnoteRef:4] [4: Hobsbawm, Eric. Age of revolution: 1789-1848. Hachette UK, 2010.]

These two revolutions generated significant changes in the Western society. In several nations such as France, Belgium, Britain, the United States, solid parliaments were established and in addition instigated assurances for individual liberties and rights against repressive state action. There was also the establishment of substantial religious freedom for different Christian groups and Jews. Even more extensively, movements signifying liberal and other political opinions had disseminated all across Western society, functioning as political parties in the liberalized nations. These revolutions also created unrest in Germany. The Frankfurt Assembly was created and thereafter there was the adoption of a bill of rights and a temperately democratic type of government.3

Independence of Latin America

The road to independence for the Latin American countries started with the invasion of Spain by Napoleon. Having being worn-out by the instability and stubbornness of Charles IV and Spain's irregularity and unpredictability as an ally, Napoleon opted to invade Spain at the start of the 19th Century and immediately seized the country and Portugal as well. Napoleon's brother immediately replaced Charles IV to rule the nation. Being ruled by France caused Spaniards to beg for assistance from colonials. This turmoil and disarray warranted the ideal excuse for a rebellion and not be executed for treason. Thereby, nations such as Argentina declared independence as an excuse with the proclamation that they would rule themselves until Charles IV was reinstituted. Once this took place, there was no reverting back and Argentina officially declared its independence in 1816. In addition, the Creoles started considering themselves as Americans, and different from the Spaniards. The invasion of Spain by Napoleon caused a major distraction as it caused the Spanish ships and troops to be away from their usual work of colonizing the Latin America countries. This drove several disgruntled Creoles in favor of independence. By the time Ferdinand reclaimed the throne, there were already revolts in nations such as Argentina, Mexico and northern South America. This road eventually led to their independence.[footnoteRef:6] [6: Scheina, Robert L. Latin America's Wars: The Age of the Caudillo, 1791-1899. 2003: Washington: Brassey's, Inc.]

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