For centuries, man and beast worked in a collaborative effort to accomplish daily task. But, as time revolved - new ideas and new ways were starting to evolve. If asked, most people will say that America is the "Era of Invention". However, America cannot claim this title.
The Industrial Revolution began more than 200 years ago in England around the 1700's (the term industry comes from the Latin word industrius - meaning to be active or diligent). This revolution had a huge impact on society as the changes brought on were sudden and great improvements were to be made. The changes would have a huge impact on the Agriculture, the manufacture of textile, the introduction to inventions and most importantly - social reformation. The Industrial Revolution was a time of dramatic change, from hand tools and handmade items, to products, which were mass-produced. Life would generally improve, but the industrial revolution also proved harmful. Pollution increased, working conditions were harmful, and capitalists employed women and young children, making them work long and hard hours. The industrial revolution was a time for change. However did it change for the better, or for the worse?.
The majority of England's occupations were farmers and shipping. During the revolution, many small farms would fall prey to large landowners and succumb to the Enclosure System. This system allowed small, open fields to be closed in by fences, walls or large hedges. This would cause a lot of unskilled farmers to work in factories at very low wages.
Aside from farming, the English were known for their production of Cotton Cloth. Cloth was made by manually operated Spinning machines. The majority of this work was done at individual houses or cottages and earned the name "Cottage Industry. The wheel spinning would be done by women and the weaving by men. The women were called "spinsters" and were often times unable or allowed to maintain social activities due to long hours worked.
