Stories 2- Chapter 5 – Modernity (1800-1900)

The Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment culminated into the Industrial Revolution. Goods were produced on a large scale in factories owned by a few rich entrepreneurs. Many farmers moved to cities in search of work. They became a new group in society, the working class. The 19^th century was a tough time for them because they were not protected by laws. They worked hard, earned little, lived in bad houses and died young. The factory owners got richer and lived luxurious lives. During the 19^th century politicians improved the lives of the workers by implementing laws to protect them. Most factory owners moved their businesses to colonies that were far away. They employed the local people in their factories to avoid the strict rules back in Europe. In many cases these circumstances still exist.