Industrial Revolution

Definition

The Industrial Revolution was a transformative period from the late 18th century to the early 19th century characterized by a shift from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban ones. This era saw technological advancements, mass production, and significant social changes, which influenced literature, art, and thought, laying the groundwork for Romanticism and Modernism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain in the late 1700s due to factors like natural resources, technological innovations, and a stable political environment.
2. Key inventions during this time included the steam engine, spinning jenny, and power loom, which revolutionized production processes and transportation.
3. The rise of factories led to significant changes in labor practices, including the use of child labor and harsh working conditions that eventually sparked social reform movements.
4. As people moved from rural areas to cities in search of jobs, urbanization led to overcrowded living conditions, contributing to public health issues and a rise in social commentary in literature.
5. This period influenced literary movements like Romanticism that emphasized nature as a response to industrialization's mechanization and disconnection from the natural world.

Review Questions

• How did the Industrial Revolution influence the characteristics of Romanticism?
  • The Industrial Revolution prompted a reaction from Romantic writers who sought to counteract the dehumanizing aspects of industrialization. They emphasized emotion, nature, and individual experience in their works as a way to escape the mechanized world. This movement championed the beauty of nature and human creativity, reflecting a desire for deeper connections with the world amidst rapid urban growth.
• In what ways did the Industrial Revolution contribute to the emergence of Modernist poetry?
  • The Industrial Revolution set the stage for Modernist poetry by introducing themes of dislocation, fragmentation, and alienation. As cities expanded and traditional values shifted, poets began to express feelings of chaos and uncertainty in their works. The advancements in technology and changing societal norms inspired poets to experiment with form and language, moving away from conventional structures to capture the complexities of modern life.
• Analyze the social implications of the Industrial Revolution on literature during this period.
  • The Industrial Revolution had profound social implications that were reflected in contemporary literature. As people flocked to cities for work, writers addressed issues like class struggles, labor rights, and urban poverty. This shift in focus led to literary movements that critiqued society's mechanization and explored themes of identity and community amidst rapid change. Authors sought to illuminate the plight of workers while advocating for social reform through their narratives.

Related terms

Urbanization:

The process where an increasing percentage of a population lives in cities and towns, driven by the growth of industries during the Industrial Revolution.

Romanticism:

An artistic and intellectual movement that emerged as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment and industrialization, emphasizing emotion, nature, and individualism.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a break with traditional forms and an exploration of new techniques and perspectives in literature and art.