Industrial Revolution: A Blessing or A Curse?

Advantages Vs Disadvantages of Industrial Revolution.


The Scientific Revolution of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries was vital for rise of industrial revolution. Industrial revolution refers to the time period from 18^th to 19^th century, where major advances in the industrial processes had a great effect on socio-economic and cultural conditions of the world. It began in the United Kingdom, and then subsequently spread throughout Europe, North America and eventually in the whole world.

If we compare the advantages and disadvantages of industrial revolution, one can find that this revolution had more positive affects then its negative implications. The Industrial Revolution marks a major turning point in human history. During this, almost every aspect of daily life was influenced in some way. Most notable advancement was in socioeconomic aspects of life. For example the average income and population showed sustained growth. The world's average per capita income increased over 10 times, while the world's population increased over 6-fold.

Industrial revolution was considered as a new era of commercial activity which strengthened the socioeconomic conditions of lifestyle. There was a drastic change from usage of manual labor towards utilization of machine based manufacturing processes. It started with the mechanization of the industries and the development of iron-making techniques. The developments in the field of metallurgy led to the production of wrought iron, a much better quality of iron. Further advances brought the age of Steel. These developments in the production of iron and steel had a profound impact on machinery. The development of all-metal machine tools in the first two decades of the 19th century facilitated the manufacture of more production of machines for manufacturing in other industries. Railroads, canals, bridges and roads resulted in faster mode of transportation which further revolutionized travel for both people and goods.

 The introduction of steam power fueled by coal, utilization of hydro power and powered machinery caused the dramatic increases in production capacity. The effects spread, eventually affecting most of the world, a process that continues as industrialization. The First Industrial Revolution, which began in the 18th century, merged into the Second Industrial Revolution around 1850, when technological and economic progress gained momentum with the development of steam-powered ships, railways, internal combustion engine and electrical power generation.  

Industrial revolution caused an increased shift in every aspect of life, but it had an immense effect on the human condition as well. One of prominent negative feature of industrial revolution was urbanization. A shift of occupation from agricultural practices to industrial work, led to a sharp increase in city populations, which resulted in the obstruction of developments in infrastructure, sanitation, city planning, law and order situation etc. As more and more people shifted to cities from rural areas the number of unemployed increased, which resulted in a pressing issue of homelessness and social isolation. Thus, while industrial revolution brought an unparalleled development and progress in trade and production, it worsened human life particularly in cities. But these issues caused by industrial revolution can be overlooked when compared with the magnificent developments brought about by this revolution.

So in a nutshell, if we put side by side the pros and cons of industrial revolution, it can be deduced that the advantages of industrial revolution of eighteen and nineteen century over weighs its disadvantages. The industrialization process has benefit the mankind in many ways but now is the time when this process should be done with strict following of environmental rules and polices