Changes in the Organization of Society

The Industrial Revolution caused dramatic changes in how people interacted as a society. Many of the old rules that were followed by a largely agrarian world no longer applied. The new industrial environment caused many to look for a new niche for themselves and for others like them. The winners of this struggle found ways to protect their positions, while the less-fortunate looked for ways to promote further change.

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.

Social Classes-- a short piece on the changing social classes of the Industrial Revolution

The Marx/Engles Archive-- an interesting site offering the ideas of Marx

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