Benifits and problems of the industrial revolution Essay

Benifits and problems of the industrial revolution - Essay Example The rest of this essay will present the pros and cons of this important event as well as briefly explaining why industrial reform came slowly from 1815-1914. Factories that produce goods on a massive scale are the most prominent symbols of the industrial revolution. Such a radical transformation was allowed to happen because it suited the interests of the aristocracy and nobility of the time. The ruling elite of England were also the owners of most the country’s wealth and it suited their interest to perpetuate a method that maintained status quo. This meant that the prevailing inequities in distribution of wealth accentuated further as the industrial revolution marched on. Some intellectuals have cited this as the major problem with the capitalist model and have hence condemned the revolution as socially unjust. The other criticism that is leveled against large-scale industries is their tendency to accelerate the process of urbanization and ultimately contribute to pollution and squalor. For example, the issues of overpopulation, petty crime, prostitution and pollution in the industrial city of Manchester are well documented by K ishlansky and other scholars. While the unsavory aspects of the industrial revolution are real and valid, it has also brought about positive changes to people. As the scale of production of goods increased under the capitalist model, people from all sections of society were able to enjoy consumption of products that were previously considered an luxury for the few. Coming back to the city of Manchester, the numerous cotton mills set up there produced sufficient goods to supply to the local markets and also export the surplus to other countries. The other benefit brought on by the industrial revolution is the overall efficiency of the production process. Terms such as efficiency and quality were given emphasis, the benefits of which are transferred to the end consumer. And finally, there is an interesting reason