Industrial Revolution

Definition

The Industrial Revolution was a transformative period that began in the late 18th century and extended into the 19th century, characterized by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urbanized societies. This shift brought about significant changes in technology, manufacturing processes, and social structures, leading to the emergence of new artistic movements that reflected the changing realities of life, work, and nature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain around the late 1700s and eventually spread to Europe and North America.
2. Key inventions such as the steam engine, spinning jenny, and power loom drastically changed manufacturing and transportation.
3. The rise of factories led to new labor practices and the growth of a working class, while also prompting social issues like child labor and poor working conditions.
4. Realism in art and literature emerged as a response to the societal changes brought about by industrialization, focusing on everyday life and the experiences of ordinary people.
5. Naturalism, influenced by scientific developments, portrayed life more accurately, often emphasizing the impacts of environment and heredity on human behavior in this new industrial age.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence the development of realism in drama?
  • The Industrial Revolution significantly shaped realism in drama by introducing themes related to everyday life and the struggles faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Playwrights began to focus on characters from various social classes and their interactions within an industrialized context. The emphasis on authentic representation mirrored the realities of urban life, working conditions, and social issues emerging from industrialization.
• In what ways did naturalism draw upon scientific advancements made during the Industrial Revolution?
  • Naturalism was heavily influenced by the scientific advancements of the Industrial Revolution, which emphasized observation and empirical evidence. Naturalist writers sought to portray life with a level of detail and accuracy that reflected scientific principles, often examining how environment and heredity shaped human behavior. This approach allowed for a more rigorous exploration of characters' motivations and societal influences, aligning with contemporary understandings of science.
• Evaluate how the social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution impacted dramatic literature and its themes.
  • The social changes initiated by the Industrial Revolution had profound effects on dramatic literature, leading to a shift in themes towards realism and naturalism. As society grappled with urbanization, class struggles, and evolving gender roles, playwrights began to explore these issues through their works. The portrayal of working-class life became prominent, along with critiques of capitalism and societal norms, reflecting a broader desire for social reform and greater authenticity in storytelling.

Related terms

Urbanization: The process by which rural areas become urban, as populations migrate to cities in search of work and better living conditions during the Industrial Revolution.

Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private ownership of production and the pursuit of profit, which gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution and influenced social class dynamics.

Technological Innovation: The introduction of new technologies and methods of production that revolutionized industries, leading to increased efficiency and changes in labor practices during the Industrial Revolution.