Impact of the Industrial Revolution

During the early 1700s, most people in Europe lived in rural areas operating farms that formed the basis of the agricultural economy. As family-based cottage industries were replaced by the factory system, the structure and function of the family changed. Women and children entered the work force and competed with men for jobs. Since women and children were paid less, and the factory owners' goal was to keep down the cost of production in order to make more profit, men had difficulty competing for some jobs. In addition, factory and mine owners exercised a considerable amount of control over the lives of their workers.

In response to the harsh working conditions that children worked under, reformers started to push for child labor laws which established restrictions on ages and hours for workers, and promoted compulsory education. As a result, governments began establishing free public schools for young children in order to help the children become more productive citizens.

Other groups pushed for more rights as well. Long discriminated against, women began to fight for the right to vote, or suffrage, although they weren't successful until after World War I. Workers also began to unite in labor unions to demand changes in their hours, wages, and working conditions. You'll take a look at labor unions next.