Looking Into the Revolutions in History

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

Agricultural Revolution

The Agricultural Revolution caused a paradigm shift in societal outlook. It had such a transformative effect on the society that many refer to this manifestation as the dawn of civilization. In particular, this was an era of substantial development brought about by new farming methods and inventions. These had a considerable influence as it brought about a substantial increase in food production. This period resulted in the experimentation with new crops and produces in addition to new techniques of crop rotation. As a result, these methods instigated a replenishment of nutrients in the farms bringing forth stronger harvests and greater productivity.[footnoteRef:5] [5: Overton, Mark. Agricultural Revolution in England: The Transformation of the Agrarian economy 1500 -1850. Canbridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.]

The Agricultural Revolution also caused a new generation of inventions, which immensely increased the efficiency levels in the society. For instance, in this period, the plough was invented, which made it conceivable to have agricultural production on a large-scale bringing forth agrarian societies. Being a combined progression, the Agricultural Revolution advanced and stretched out to make the entire populace embrace innovation as the mainstay of civilization. This was epitomized by the formation of new concepts and ideas regarding the utilization of land and the institution of a new social order. In addition, it positively influenced the society as it integrated and advanced the preexistent social and agricultural conditions. This led to the reassessment of everything up to that time acknowledged by the masses concerning agricultural production and expertise, economics, landownership, and social order.4

There are similarities and differences between the revolutions that took place from 1750 to the end of the 1800s. To start with, the similarities are largely linked to dissatisfaction with the status quo and pursuit of a better life. For instance, the nationalists in the different nations sought independence, rights, and freedoms as also for a different social order. In a similar manner, the Agricultural Revolution began because of problems of starvations and seeking a better life where there would be a better harvests and farm products. However, the major dissimilarity that lies between the revolutions is the main purpose or intent of the movements. On one hand, the Industrial Revolution and Agricultural Revolution were centered more on the economy, innovations, and the development of better produce. On the other hand, revolutions such as the 1930 and 1948 French Revolutions' aim were attaining independence and freedom from colonization.3