The Industrial Revolution was a time of economic and technological revolution that began in 1760 and lasted until 1820/1840. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain and most of the important technological innovations were British. The basis of the revolution was a move in the production of goods from handmade to machine-made.
The growth of nationalism caused mainly positive propaganda. People went to cities looking for "new work" and were able to feel a sense of belonging that did not exist previously. Other countries saw the increase in livelihood for the members of British society and this led other countries to adapt the way their goods were made. The result of nationalism during the Industrial Revolution was pride in one's nation. On a more negative note, this led to a want to increase their nation and have more, which eventually also led to World War I.
The declining role of religion in everyday life was vastly obvious. People began to care more about their work and less about their religion. People moved from smaller, more religiously affiliated towns, to larger industrialized cities for better employment opportunities. Since everyone was moving from their homes, their churches were left behind. There was also a severe lack of clergy (pastors) to run the churches that remained. As a result, people became more urban and their families became more secular. Items were being made faster and cheaper and made people believe in instant gratification. People began to focus less on what God could do for them over time and what material things could give them at that exact moment.
The increasing global interconnectedness over time was started during the time of the Industrial Revolution. Globalization affected other European countries as it affected England. France, India, Germany, and so on were impacted by the changes in British life. Trade between countries was at an all-time high. The great achievement of the British Industrial Revolution was the creation of the first large engineering industry that could mass produce productivity-raising machinery. Machinery production was the basis of three developments that were able to explain the continuation of economic growth until World War 1.
The development of the general mechanization of industry impacted workforces and raised productivity in the British economy itself. The global economy and the international division of labor made huge impacts, but they both have railroads and steam-powered, iron ships to thank for their success. All together, these developments were responsible for the impacts that led to significant rises in living standards across Europe.
So, why is this important? Why does it matter now, today? Because without these advances and changes in Britain, America would have never evolved either. We would still be stuck in another era where people walked the small town and knew all their neighbors by sight. On the other hand, maybe less development would be a good thing for some folks by forcing them to be a little nicer.
The Industrial Revolution is important to our history because it marks a time when all aspects of everyday life changed. The average income and the population maintained a steady and sustainable growth. The major impact of the Industrial Revolution is that the standard of living changed for the better. Many historians and economists believe that the two centuries of the Industrial Revolution changed daily life more than it had ever changed in the 7,000 years previously.
Whatever way you choose to look at it, the Industrial Revolution is a vital piece of world history!
