How Industrial Revolution Shaped Modern-Era Politics, Culture and Economy

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
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How Industrial Revolution Shaped Modern-Era Politics, Culture and Economy
Introduction
The industrial revolution was the period when the world shifted from Agrarian economy to Industrial economy. This phenomenon started in Britain and spread to the rest of the world. At first, the first industrialists encountered many challenges but solutions were coined on the go, and a few decades later the society was transformed into an industrial economy that changed almost everything about how operated. The new technology was irresistible, and the society was forced to adapt. As the people adapted and began harnessing the new possibilities presented by this revolution, it prompted a political, socioeconomic and cultural change that established the standards of the modern age.
Political impact
Prior to the industrial revolution, the work of the government was to protect its people against foreign powers and ensure relative peace within its borders. The government was not focused on legislation to control these aspects. There were already established structures of how the society had to be run. The formal organization of the British government was a feudal monarchy, and the revolution threatened its establishment hence the government had to adapt. Though it did not change much during the revolution, it adapted to the new economy fueled by industries. As the industrial revolution took root, the government at first attempted to control the ballooning economic activities that were fueled by the revolution. However, as the revolution continued, the government had to abolish the limiting legislation governing industries, employment, prices and wages to accommodate revolution. This abolishment was in line with Laissez-faire ideologies that promoted free trade. Laissez-faire, however, suggested ‘doctrine of invisible had’ where he suggested that governments should abolish the regulations and allow market forces to determine the prices of goods and services. Abolishment of these regulations encouraged exploitation of the poor a problem that later forced the government to intervene and establish rules to regulate the economy.
As the revolution continued, the population exploded, and growth of cities soared. More people moved to urban centers in search of factory jobs. The revolution had enabled the producers to have a bigger surplus and easier transport means to the urban centers for trade thus people were not necessarily required to farm for their foods. Conditions worsened in the cities due to the Laissez-faire attitude which prompted the government to intervene. Before the revolution, the government never took a keen interest in the welfare of the people, but as conditions for the public worsened owing to the privatization of the economy, the government had to intervene. The government stepped in to address the problems brought by ballooning population in cities without proper plan or utility of resources coupled with exploitation of the people by the rich and upper class. The government had to protect the people and ensure their welfare rather than letting the economy regulate itself.
Eventually, the government became the pivot of the public and private b...