What was a major consequence of urbanization during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, urbanization led to significant changes in societal structures, particularly as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of job opportunities in newly established factories. This influx of workers resulted in overcrowding, as urban populations swelled beyond the capacity of existing housing and public services. In many cases, cities were not equipped to handle the rapid increase in residents, leading to problems such as insufficient sanitation, inadequate housing, and strained infrastructure.

Consequently, the rapid urban growth often resulted in poor living conditions, with many families crammed into small, poorly constructed tenements lacking basic amenities. The overcrowding also strained resources like water supply and public transportation, leading to traffic congestion and health crises as diseases spread easily in cramped environments. This scenario exemplifies the major consequence of urbanization during the Industrial Revolution, highlighting the critical challenges that arose as societies transitioned from agrarian economies to industrialized urban centers.