Which impact did the Industrial Revolution have on labor?

The impact of the Industrial Revolution on labor was most significantly characterized by the growth of factory jobs and urbanization. As industries emerged during this period, there was a substantial shift from agrarian economies to industrial ones. Factories became the centers of production, and people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of work. This movement not only facilitated the development of a new working class but also led to a rapid increase in urban populations as cities expanded to accommodate the influx of workers.

Factory jobs were marked by a different set of labor conditions compared to traditional agricultural work. They often involved long hours, lower wages, and poor working conditions, which significantly altered the labor landscape. This transformation was central to the Industrial Revolution, as it introduced a new way of organizing work and fundamentally changed the dynamics of society, leading to lasting economic and social shifts.

In contrast, options suggesting an increased reliance on handcrafted goods or a decrease in population density do not align with the realities of the Industrial Revolution, which focused on mass production and urban growth. The decline of international trade is also misaligned with the era, as industrialization often led to an increase in trade and global connections due to the mass production capabilities and advancements in transportation.