1. The Industrial Revolution
The Victorian Era
The Industrial Revolution

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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