The Industrial Revolution fundamentally altered the way people lived and worked across Britain. As the factory system grew and manufacturing moved away from rivers, which of the following best describes the most significant demographic change that occurred during this period?
- A massive migration of the population from rural countryside villages to rapidly growing industrial towns and cities.Answer
- BThe relocation of urban workers back to rural areas to support the expansion of large-scale manual farming.
- CThe development of the first petrol-powered motor car by James Watt, which allowed workers to live in the suburbs and commute.
- DThe invention of the electric computer by Matthew Boulton to manage production in small-scale rural cottages.
Answer
The population moved from rural countryside villages to find work in the rapidly growing industrial towns and cities.
The Industrial Revolution led to a massive demographic shift known as urbanization. As the factory system replaced the decentralized cottage industry, workers were required to move from the countryside to new industrial centers to find employment, leading to the rapid growth of cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Urbanization and the Factory System