Industrialization

Definition

Industrialization is the process of transforming economies from primarily agrarian-based to industrial ones, characterized by the growth of factories, mechanization, and mass production. This shift led to significant social, economic, and cultural changes, impacting the way people lived and worked.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Industrialization began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and rapidly spread to Europe and North America throughout the 19th century.
2. It brought about significant technological advancements, such as the steam engine and mechanized looms, which greatly increased productivity.
3. The rise of factories led to a shift in labor dynamics, with many people moving from agricultural jobs to factory work, often under poor working conditions.
4. Social changes during this time included the rise of a new social class: the industrial middle class, who became influential in politics and culture.
5. Literary movements like realism and naturalism emerged as responses to the changes brought by industrialization, focusing on the everyday lives of people and the harsh realities of life.

Review Questions

• How did industrialization influence the themes and characters depicted in the works of Balzac, Flaubert, and Zola?
  • Industrialization greatly influenced the themes in the works of Balzac, Flaubert, and Zola by highlighting the struggles of individuals within a rapidly changing society. These authors explored the effects of urbanization on people's lives, depicting characters who faced social mobility challenges and moral dilemmas as they navigated an increasingly industrialized world. Their narratives often illustrated the tension between personal desires and societal expectations shaped by economic transformations.
• In what ways did American realism reflect the social realities brought about by industrialization in the works of Twain, James, and Wharton?
  • American realism captured the social realities of industrialization by focusing on ordinary people's lives and their interactions within a changing society. Twain often highlighted the disparities between social classes while exposing societal flaws through humor and satire. James emphasized psychological depth in his characters, exploring their moral complexities amid industrial growth. Wharton portrayed the tension between tradition and modernity, revealing how industrialization impacted social structures and personal relationships.
• Analyze how naturalist authors like Crane, Dreiser, and Norris portrayed the effects of industrialization on human behavior and society.
  • Naturalist authors like Crane, Dreiser, and Norris depicted the effects of industrialization on human behavior through a deterministic lens, suggesting that environmental factors heavily influenced individual choices. Crane's works highlighted urban poverty and its dehumanizing effects, while Dreiser focused on characters whose ambitions were thwarted by societal constraints shaped by industrial forces. Norris illustrated the struggle against capitalist exploitation, showcasing how systemic issues affected people's lives and choices. Together, these authors revealed a complex relationship between individuals and the socio-economic forces unleashed by industrialization.

Related terms

Urbanization: The movement of populations from rural areas to cities, often resulting from industrialization as people seek jobs in factories.

Capitalism: An economic system where private individuals own and control property and businesses, which flourished during the industrial era as industries grew.

Labor Movement: A collective organization of workers that emerged in response to the harsh working conditions during industrialization, advocating for workers' rights and better labor laws.