ABSTRACT
The Industrial Revolution found the English people a brave and hardy stock who loved independence. But their primitive methods had lingered century after century, with scarcely any evidence of private thrift. The operating of large machinery called for separate buildings in which power could be used. Prior to the use of large machinery the output of industry was limited by the fund of human muscle and nervous energy. One of the greatest effects of this sudden Industrial Revolution was the degeneration of the old skilled laborers and the employment of a new class— women and children. Fierce competition in these new industries caused manufacturers to disregard the protection of morals, health, and even the lives of workers. The goal was high profits, and every effort on the part of public-spirited people for reform was met with opposition.
