Industrial Revolution
The transition from hand production methods to machines
Real World Example
The Industrial Revolution was a critical event in the North between 1790 and 1860 because it transformed the economy from agriculture-based to industrial-based, leading to rapid urbanization and the rise of factories. This period highlighted tensions such as labor rights and the gap between the rich and poor, issues that still resonate today. The shift from hand production to machines made goods cheaper and more accessible, but it also raised concerns about working conditions and environmental impacts. Today, this revolution affects our lives through modern conveniences like mass-produced products, but it also challenges us with similar debates over technology's role in the workforce and environmental sustainability. For example, the rise of automation and digital technology continues to shape job markets and our daily routines, just as the steam engine and textile mills did in the past.