The Industrial Revolution in Europe, that took place, roughly between the early 1800s and early 1900s, had a big impact on the future of women but it was not easy for them, since it was often difficult to achieve their goals for equality in the male dominated society. The Industrial Revolution needed women to succeed, though, without them it would have never come about. Women make up roughly 50% of the world's population so a revolution without women would have been impossible, as they were an important work force, for example in cotton factories or other textile manufacturing markets. Without women, for the first time as a work force, and a strong political voice, the industrial revolution would have failed.
Before the industrialization, women were never considered as an economic working force, but rather to organize the household work. This idea of women not going to work is still, in some areas of the world, supported today, however, this belief is by far not as common as it used to be. Before the industrial revolution women were not considered liable for running businesses. This meant they could not even take over the businesses their husbands left them when they died. This is a thing that changed with the industrial revolution. Women proved to be perfectly able to run businesses and were now, for the first time, respected as factory managers. But not only did they prove to be a liable work force, also, their political influence increased. This was similar to the French Revolution, when women took great political influence, for example in the "March to Versailles". Also similar to the French Revolution, Feudalism was abolished during the industrial Revolution. This again helped women achieve their political goals, which were, for example equality, and the right to vote. All these factors helped industrialize Europe a lot, and improved its" economy.
What also contributed to the improvement of the economy was the invention of the steam engine.
