Published in: Economics

Political Effects of the Industrial Revolution

Author Blessing Peter Titus

Published on: April 11, 2023

The industrial revolution began in the 18th century and continued into the 19th century. It was a pivotal period in human history that brought about profound changes in technology, society, and the global economy, shaping the modern world as we know it today. This period which marked the 1st and 2nd industrial revolutions brought about the inventions of several machines which changed society from being a largely agrarian setting to industrialized towns that saw the establishment of several factories. In this article, we shall discuss some of the political effects of the industrial revolution.

The industrial revolution began in Britain and quickly spread to other countries including the United States, Western Europe, and eventually to other parts of the world.

Some of the key innovations and advancements that characterized this period included the development of mechanized machinery, the use of steam power, the introduction of new manufacturing processes such as the spinning jenny and power loom, and the growth of the factory system where goods were produced on a large scale using specialized labor.

The industrial revolution had wide-ranging effects on society. It transformed the way goods were produced, leading to increased efficiency and productivity, and lowered costs of production. It also led to urbanization, as people moved from rural areas to cities to work in factories, resulting in the growth of urban populations and the development of modern cities.

It also had profound social and economic impacts, including the rise of the working class, the growth of labor unions, the development of new economic systems such as capitalism, and changes in social structures and norms.

See also: What Caused the Second Industrial Revolution?

Political effects of the industrial revolution

1. The emergence of labor unions
2. Expansion of democracy
3. Rise of nationalism
4. A shift in power and influence
5. Colonialism and imperialism
6. Government intervention and regulation

The emergence of labor unions

One of the political effects of the industrial revolution is the emergence of labor unions as the revolution brought about a shift from agrarian economies to industrial economies based on mass production and mechanization.

The growth of factories and urbanization due to industrialization drew large numbers of people from rural areas to work in factories. This created a new class of industrial workers, often referred to as the working class or proletariat, who faced poor working conditions, low wages, and long working hours.

As the working class grew in size and influence, they began to demand better working conditions, wages, and rights, leading to the emergence of labor movements and labor unions as a way for workers to advocate for their interests. This in turn had political implications, as labor movements and unions engaged in political activism and collective bargaining with employers and governments, shaping labor laws and policies.

Expansion of democracy

Another political effect of the industrial revolution is the expansion of democracy. As industrialization progressed, there was a growing recognition of the need for political changes to address the social and economic impacts of industrialization. Thus, there was a growing demand for political reforms and expanded suffrage.

The rise of the working class and their struggles for better working conditions and rights contributed to the push for universal suffrage and the extension of voting rights to broader segments of the population. Other movements advocating for political reforms such as the Chartists in Britain also called for universal suffrage.

This demand for political reforms and expanded suffrage led to the expansion of democracy in many countries, as political power shifted from aristocracy and monarchy to a more inclusive system where more people had the right to vote and participate in political decision-making. Hence, the expansion and adoption of democracy as a system by several countries as well as the extension of voting rights to broader segments of the population can be ascribed as some of the political effects of the industrial revolution.

A shift in power and influence

The industrial revolution brought about the rise of capitalism as the dominant economic system, with private ownership of the means of production, profit-driven production, and free market competition. As a result, wealth and power became concentrated in the hands of a few industrialists while the factory workers earned miserly salaries, leading to debates about economic inequality and social justice.

As wealth and power shifted from landowners and aristocracy to industrialists and capitalists who owned the means of production, it resulted in changes in political power dynamics.

The interests of the emerging industrial class came to the forefront and influenced policy-making, often leading to policies that favored industrial growth and capitalist interests. In essence, the shift in power and influence is one of the political effects of the industrial revolution.

Rise of nationalism

An additional political effect of the industrial revolution is the rise of nationalism which led to the growth of large, powerful nations with strong economies and militaries. Industrialization enabled countries to develop advanced transportation and communication networks, leading to increased connectivity and a sense of national identity.

Nationalism, which emphasized loyalty and pride in one’s nation, emerged as a potent political force, often tied to economic and military competition between nations and the pursuit of national interests. This influenced policies related to trade, tariffs, and foreign relations, and shaped the political landscape of many countries during the industrial revolution.

Colonialism and imperialism

The industrial revolution also had significant geopolitical effects, including the colonization and imperialism of many regions around the world. Industrialized nations sought to secure resources and markets for their growing industries, leading to the colonization and exploitation of other regions. This had profound political effects, such as the imposition of colonial rule, cultural assimilation, and the suppression of local political systems and identities.

It also led to resistance movements and struggles for independence in many colonized regions, which had significant political implications.

For instance, a lot of African countries cite colonialism as one of the major contributors to the erosion of their cultures, the traditional system of governance, and general backwardness of the continent. Therefore, colonialism and imperialism are outcomes of the political effects of the industrial revolution that have had far-reaching effects on a lot of countries.

Government intervention and regulation

The industrial revolution brought about significant changes in the role of governments in economic affairs.

As industries grew and became more complex, governments began to intervene in the economy through regulations, laws, and policies to address issues such as labor rights, safety regulations, and monopolies. This led to the emergence of government intervention and regulation in economic matters, shaping the role of the state in modern economies.

Governments also played a role in providing infrastructure, such as railways and telegraph networks, which facilitated industrialization and economic growth. This is another political effect of the industrial revolution.

See also: What came after the industrial revolution?

Political effects of the industrial revolution in Europe

1. The emergence of new political ideologies
2. Expansion of voting rights and democracy
3. Labor movements and political activism
4. Changes in political power
5. Rise of nationalism and imperialism
6. Changes in the role of government

The political effects of the industrial revolution in Europe are as listed above. We shall discuss each of these points below:

The emergence of new political ideologies

One of the political effects of the industrial revolution in Europe was challenging existing political ideologies which led to the emergence of new ones such as liberalism, socialism, and communism. Liberalism, with its emphasis on individual rights, free markets, and limited government intervention, gained prominence as industrialization created a new class of entrepreneurs and capitalists who sought economic and political freedoms.

Socialism and communism, on the other hand, emerged as responses to the social and economic inequalities brought about by industrialization, advocating for collective ownership of means of production and greater government intervention in economic and social affairs. Hence, while some European countries adopted liberalism, others adopted socialism or communism.

Expansion of voting rights and democracy

The industrial revolution led to demands for greater political participation and representation by those who were excluded from political power, including the working class and the urban poor. As industrialization shifted the economic and social landscape, there were calls for political reforms and the expansion of voting rights to more segments of society. This was one of the political effects of the industrial revolution in Europe.

In countries like Britain, for example, the Reform Acts of 1832 and 1867 expanded voting rights to a larger portion of the male population, though suffrage was still limited to certain property-owning classes. These reforms marked steps towards greater democracy and political inclusion, though the process of extending voting rights was gradual and faced resistance from conservative elites.

Labor movements and political activism

Another political effect of the industrial revolution in Europe was the rise of labor movements and political activism as workers sought to address poor working conditions, low wages, and other labor issues. Labor unions and other forms of collective action emerged as workers organized to demand better working conditions, fair wages, and improved labor laws.

These labor movements often had political implications, as workers sought to influence government policies and laws to protect their rights and interests. Strikes, protests, and demonstrations were common forms of political activism during the industrial revolution in Europe, and they played a significant role in shaping political discourse and policy decisions.

Changes in political power

One of the earliest effects of the industrial revolution in Europe was urbanization and the resultant changes in political power. As people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of employment in factories, it led to rapid urbanization which further led to changes in political power dynamics, as urban centers grew in population and economic importance.

Urban areas became centers of political power and influence, leading to shifts in political representation and policy priorities with urban centers being considered ahead of rural areas in policy making. Urban interests often clashed with rural interests, leading to political conflicts and tensions between the different regions and classes.

Rise of nationalism and imperialism

The industrial revolution fueled the rise of nationalism and imperialism in Europe. As industrialized countries in Europe sought to expand their territories and secure resources for their growing economies, it lead to imperialism and the colonization of other regions of the world.

Nationalism, with its emphasis on a shared sense of identity, culture, and political sovereignty, gained prominence as Europe sought to assert its dominance and protect its economic interests. Nationalistic sentiments often played a significant role in shaping foreign policies and international relations during the industrial revolution era in Europe.

Changes in the role of government

An additional political effect of the industrial revolution is the changes in the role of government. The industrial revolution brought about changes in the role of government, with increased intervention and regulation in economic and social affairs.

As industrialization progressed, governments responded to labor issues, environmental concerns, and other challenges brought about by industrialization by introducing regulations and policies to protect workers, consumers, and the environment. This led to the expansion of government functions and the creation of new government agencies to oversee industrial activities, such as labor departments, health and safety regulations, and environmental agencies.

See also: European Industrial Revolution

Political effects of the industrial revolution in America

1. Changes in economic policies
2. Expansion of democracy and voting rights
3. The political activism of workers
4. Westward Expansion and territorial politics
5. Government Role in infrastructure development

The industrial revolution had significant political effects in America and we shall discuss some of these key political effects below:

Changes in economic policies

The industrial revolution led to changes in economic policies and government intervention in America. As industrialization transformed the economy, there were debates and policy changes related to tariffs, trade, and economic regulation. For example, the American government implemented protective tariffs to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, and there were discussions on the role of government in regulating industrial activities, labor laws, and business practices.

Expansion of democracy and voting rights

The industrial revolution in America led to the expansion of democracy and voting rights. As the economy changed and new social classes emerged, there were calls for political reforms and the expansion of voting rights to more segments of the population.

The expansion of democracy and voting rights included the elimination of property requirements for voting, the extension of suffrage to non-landowners, and the abolition of slavery, which led to the enfranchisement of previously marginalized groups and a more inclusive political system. This was a positive political effect of the industrial revolution in America.

The political activism of workers

The industrial revolution in America led to the rise of labor movements and political activism as workers sought to address poor working conditions, low wages, and other labor issues. Labor unions and other forms of collective action emerged as workers organized to demand better working conditions, fair wages, and improved labor laws. Strikes, protests, and other forms of political activism were common during this period as workers sought to influence government policies and laws to protect their rights and interests.

Westward expansion and territorial politics

The industrial revolution in America coincided with westward expansion and territorial politics. As the United States expanded westward, there were debates and political struggles over issues such as slavery, land ownership, and the extension of federal authority. These territorial politics had significant implications for the balance of power between different regions and states and shaped the political landscape of America during the industrial revolution era.

Rise of political parties and partisanship

The rise of political parties and partisanship are the political effects of the industrial revolution in America. As economic interests and ideologies clashed during this period, political parties formed around various issues, such as tariffs, trade, banking, and labor rights. The two political parties in America, the Democrats, and Republicans emerged during the industrial revolution as influential forces in shaping political discourse, policy decisions, and election outcomes.

Government Role in infrastructure development

Another political effect of the industrial revolution in America was the increased government involvement in infrastructure development. The expansion of transportation networks, such as canals, railroads, and telegraph lines, required significant government investment and regulation. The government played a crucial role in funding, planning, and regulating these infrastructure projects, which had significant political and economic implications for the country.

See also: What caused the industrial revolution?

Positive political effects of the industrial revolution

1. The industrial revolution brought about unprecedented economic growth and increased prosperity in many regions. This led to higher standards of living for many people, which in turn had positive political effects. As people’s economic well-being improved, they were generally more satisfied with the political system and less likely to engage in social unrest or demand radical political changes.
2. The industrial revolution was characterized by significant technological advancements and innovation in areas such as manufacturing, transportation, and communication. These advancements not only transformed the economy but also had political implications. New technologies, such as the steam engine and the spinning jenny, increased productivity and efficiency, which led to economic growth and job creation. This, in turn, boosted the political stability of many regions, creating opportunities for economic growth and development.
3. Urbanization created new social dynamics, including increased social mobility. People had more opportunities to move up the social ladder, which led to a more diverse and dynamic social and political landscape. Social mobility provided individuals with a chance to improve their economic and social status through hard work and innovation, and this had positive political effects by promoting social cohesion and reducing social unrest.
4. As the demand for skilled workers increased, there was a growing emphasis on education and training. Many regions established public schools and literacy rates rose as more people gained access to education. Increased education and literacy rates had positive political effects, as an informed and educated citizenry was better equipped to engage in political discourse, participate in democratic processes, and make informed decisions.
5. The industrial revolution spurred various reform movements and social progress in many regions. As the negative social impacts of industrialization, such as poor working conditions and child labor, became more apparent, there were calls for reforms to address these issues. This led to social and political movements advocating for workers’ rights, women’s suffrage, and other social reforms. These reform movements brought about positive changes in labor laws, social policies, and human rights, which had a lasting impact on the political landscape of many regions.
6. The rise of industrial capitalism during the industrial revolution challenged traditional hierarchies and aristocratic systems, and ideas of democracy, equality, and individual rights gained momentum. The concept of popular sovereignty, where political power resides with the people, gained prominence. This led to the expansion of democratic ideals, such as universal suffrage, representative democracy, and constitutionalism, which had positive political effects by promoting greater political participation and inclusion.

See also: Positive effects of the industrial revolution

Negative political effects of the industrial revolution

While the industrial revolution brought about many positive changes, such as economic growth, technological advancements, and improved standards of living for many, it also had negative political effects, which include:

1. The industrial revolution led to a widening gap between the rich and the poor, as wealth and power were concentrated in the hands of a few industrialists and capitalists. This resulted in social and economic inequality, with the working class often facing harsh working conditions, low wages, and long hours, while the industrial elite amassed vast wealth and influence. This inequality led to social unrest, labor strikes, and protests, as the working class sought to address their grievances and demand fair treatment, leading to political tensions and conflicts.
2. The growth of factories and urbanization during the industrial revolution led to the exploitation of workers, including child labor, dangerous working conditions, and a lack of labor rights. Workers often faced long hours of work, low pay, and harsh working conditions without adequate safety regulations or protections. This led to labor movements and protests, demanding better working conditions and rights, and advocating for political reforms to address labor abuses. The political response to these labor issues varied across different regions and countries and often involved conflicts between labor and capital interests.
3. The industrial revolution had detrimental effects on the environment, as rapid industrialization led to pollution, deforestation, and other forms of environmental degradation. Factories and industries released harmful pollutants into the air and water, leading to health problems for local communities and environmental degradation. However, during the early stages of the industrial revolution, there were few regulations or policies to address environmental concerns, and it was only later that governments began to introduce environmental regulations and policies to mitigate the negative impacts of industrialization.
4. The industrial revolution led to the decline of traditional agrarian economies and local cottage industries, as large-scale industrial production became more dominant. This led to the displacement of traditional livelihoods, and rural communities faced challenges as they transitioned from agrarian-based economies to industrial economies. This often resulted in social and economic dislocation, as people migrated from rural areas to urban centers in search of factory employment. This displacement of traditional economies and communities had political implications, as it led to changes in social structures, community dynamics, and political power relations.
5. The industrial revolution fueled geopolitical conflicts and imperialism as industrialized nations sought to secure resources, markets, and territories for their economic and political interests. This led to colonization, imperialism, and the exploitation of other regions, often resulting in political conflicts, tensions, and resistance movements. The pursuit of economic and political dominance by industrialized nations through colonization and imperialism had negative effects on local political systems, cultures, and identities, and led to long-term political repercussions in many regions of the world.

See also: The Industrial Revolution and its Consequences

Conclusion

The political effects of the industrial revolution are varied and include both positive and negative effects. Some of the positive political effects of the industrial revolution include economic growth, technological advancements, urbanization, expansion of education and literacy, reform movements and social progress, and the spread of democratic ideals. These positive political effects contributed to social and political changes, shaping the political landscape of many regions during the industrial revolution era and laying the foundation for modern political systems.

On the negative side, some of the political effects include social and economic inequality, labor abuses, environmental degradation, displacement of traditional economies, and geopolitical conflicts. These negative effects shaped the political landscape of the time and influenced subsequent political developments in various ways. Europe, America, and indeed all parts of the world have also experienced considerable political effects due to the industrial revolution ranging from the rise of nationalism, the colonization and imperialism of other regions, government intervention and regulation in economic affairs, expansion of democracy and voting rights, labor movements and political activism, territorial politics, the rise of political parties and partisanship.

These political effects shaped the political landscape of various countries during the industrial revolution era and had lasting impacts on the political system and policies of these countries.