The Industrial Revolution The Victorian Era 1837-1901 The Industrial Revolution

Agriculture vs Industry In the early 1800s, 80% of the British population still worked on farms 100 years later, only 40% of the population remained on the farm The invention of the steam engine introduced the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution The steam engine led to faster means of transportation and manufacturing Even those families who stayed on the farm dealt with change as traditional farming methods were mechanized Tenant farmers – those who rented the land – were often forced into the slums of the cities to find new jobs in terrible conditions

The decline of Cottage Industries Cottage Industries were small, family-owned businesses that depended on hand-made, one-of- a-kind specialized products Weaving Sewing Cobbling Pottery These businesses died out when factories and large machines could do the work of many small businesses cheaper and more quickly

The Working Class The changing work force created a new class of people – the Working Class Worked in terrible conditions Lived in poor housing Earned minimum wage Even young children and mothers worked

The Changing World The writers of the Romantic Era did not see the negative impact of the Industrial Revolution The Victorian writers saw the extreme poverty and difficulties of the new working class These writers brought the attention of the nation to the harsh conditions of its working people Soon, legislative action was taken to improve the conditions of the working poor, especially children