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Industrial Revolution And Communism In The 1840's

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The Industrial Revolution played an enormous role in creating the dichotomy of capitalism and communism in the 1840’s. The Industrial Revolution was a economic,political, and social movement that occurred in the 18th and 19th century and originated in Britain. The movement was based in the rapid growth in technology that thus shifted the economy from mainly agriculturally based, to an industry based one, across much of the western world. The movement result in radical shifts in political and social values because of the social issues, political and economic instability, and economic disparity that the Industrial Revolution caused. The extremity of change that was created, and the inability of effort to alleviate the repercussions that an economic …show more content…

Communism, is the political theory, innovated by Karl Marx, that wanted for class systems to be radicated and for property and jobs to be equally shared amongst citizens. In contrast Capitalism, similar to Laissez-faire economics cultivated during the French Revolution, advocates for the government to have no role in economics and the doings of businesses. However, there can be arguments against this statement, because in the 1840’s communism and capitalism already existed and were being practiced. Throughout this investigation I will discuss the changes made in the Industrial Revolution and how those came into play a part in the dramatic changes in economic policy in the 1840’s. One of the most identifiable downsides to the Industrial Revolution, were the social issues that ensued. The continuation of industrialization led to more and more farmers to move to cities and work in factories. Work in factories was dismal, dangerous, and degrading. In Britain, until the 1840’s there were no mandates on safety in factories (Osborne, 86). Work days could go on for up to sixteen hours (Social and Political...) with little pay. …show more content…

The disparity between the different classes began to be comparable to that of the estates system prior to the French Revolution, as noted by politicians. Even aristocratic politicians became wary of the similarity, because the last thing these men wanted was a repeat of Napoleon Bonaparte’s rule (Social and Political Impact..). The disparity between the classes and the power struggle of essentially two groups, equally hungry to have their opinion in act, a dichotomy is only feasible. Neither the Wealthy or the workers were willing to compromise in their views. While weighing the benefits and flaws to the increase in technology Andrew Ure stated “It has been accused of lending itself to the rich capitalists as an instrument for harassing the poor, and of exacting from the operative an accelerated rate of work.” (Ure), showing that the dissatisfaction of the capitalist system was present amongst the people. However Ure himself beleived that the technology of the Revolution increased the equality of society, “ameliorating” society (Ure). However, the difference between the wants and needs of the aristocracy and working class, was a call for society to adapt, and their was no in between ground that the opposers will wiling to

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