What was one major impact of the Industrial Revolution on rural populations?

One major impact of the Industrial Revolution on rural populations was the significant movement of many rural residents to cities in search of jobs, leading to a process known as urbanization. As industrialization advanced, factories began to emerge in urban areas, creating a demand for labor that rural towns could not fulfill. This prompted a mass migration of individuals and families from the countryside to cities, where they sought employment opportunities that were often more lucrative than those available in agriculture.

The shift to urban living not only transformed the population demographics of cities but also had profound effects on rural areas. As people left for urban job prospects, many rural communities experienced depopulation, which altered economic structures and social dynamics. While some rural areas may have benefited from increased agricultural productivity due to advances in technology and farming techniques during this period, the most notable and immediate impact was the trend of urban migration. This movement shaped modern societal structures and is a key characteristic of the Industrial Revolution.