Week 15

The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant technological, economic, and social change that began in Britain in the late 18th century and spread throughout Europe and the United States. It marked a transition from agrarian and handicraft-based economies to industrialized ones, characterized by mechanization, urbanization, and the rise of factories.
The standard-of-living debate revolved around whether the Industrial Revolution improved or worsened the quality of life for the average person. Some argued that it led to better living standards through increased productivity, higher wages, and access to goods and services. Others contended that it brought about harsh working conditions, urban overcrowding, and widening economic inequalities.
Several arguments contributed to the abolition of slavery in Britain’s overseas colonies. Moral and humanitarian concerns, fueled by the Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality, played a significant role. Economic factors, such as the rise of industrial capitalism and the increasing profitability of free labor, also influenced the abolitionist movement. Additionally, the efforts of abolitionist campaigners, both within Britain and in the colonies themselves, helped raise public awareness and pressure policymakers to enact abolitionist legislation, culminating in the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833.

Eli’s Mind