Political Change During the Industrial Revolution
Political Change During the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution caused huge changes in the political landscape of every nation where it took place. Power no longer was a by-product of land ownership, but was instead derived from business acumen and from investment . The pre-industrial elites were challenged by the new wealth of the emerging middle class, leading to democratic reforms in nations like Great Britain, France, and the United States. Just as the middle class demanded change, the workers tried to create new laws that would give them the vote and other important reforms. The fight for these reforms was sometimes peaceful, but often it was violent. There were many painful strikes and protests, but in the end most of the reforms were made.
The Corn Laws-- the legislation marking when political power switched from the old landed nobility to the middle-class factory owners.
Why England Didn't Have a Revolution--a 19th century historian's view of why a revolution never took place in Britain during the Industrial Revolution.
Adam Smith-- the father of "classical economics", Smith was the first to explain free market economics and the mechanism of supply and demand. He was definitely against government regulation for virtually any reason.
David Ricardo-- responsible for "the Iron Law of Wages". Another free marketer.
Thomas Malthus-- author of the famous work concerning the link between population and poverty, and the hopelessness of helping the poor.
The Utilitarians-- "the greatest good for the greatest number". Believers in limited political reform.
The Marx/Engles Archive-- an interesting site offering the ideas of Marx.