Question

evaluate the Industrial Revolution in terms of whether it had a more positive or negative impact on the lives of Americans

Answer 1

Industrial Revolution had both negative and positive impact on the socio-economic, and cultural lives of the Americans. The positive impact industrial revolution is that it turned the rural economy of the United States into an urban economy, more and more industries means more job opportunities for people. This increased the financial status of the people, they had access to good education, and a higher standard of living. The cities flourished well with all the facilitates that they could provide. There was an economic boost in the development and progress of the nation. Though there was plenty of job opportunities due to industrial revolution but they were not permanent. People had to work hard continously to keep their jobs, any type of infirmity would risks their jobs. The industrial revolution widened the gap between the rich and poor. The industialist gained higher profits, whereas, the economic condition of the worker either deteriorated or remained stable. Industrial revolution gave rise to consumerism, it gave more choices to the consumers and consumer satisfaction was valued, but it also meant increase in consumption burdening the natural resources and impacting the environment negatively, which ultimately adversely effected the health of the people. Thus, on one hand, Industrial revolution gave social and economic development, while on the other hand, it gave rise to poverty, competition, increase in crime rate due to poverty, health problems and environmental degradation.