+91 95600-82909 info@theiashub.com
    •     Mains Marks Booster     Industrial Revolution: Causes, Impacts & Legacy in Modern Society

    Industrial Revolution: Causes, Impacts & Legacy in Modern Society

    Explore the Industrial Revolution's causes and global impacts—from technological innovations and urbanization to economic growth and environmental changes. Understand how this historic shift shaped the modern world and industrial society.

    THEIASHUB
    Get an Instant Call Back from Our Expert Mentors Now!
    +91

    In today's rapidly advancing technological era, where automation and artificial intelligence are reshaping industries, it is essential to reflect on the historical roots of such transformations. The Industrial Revolution serves as a significant milestone in understanding the profound impact of industrialization on societies, economies, and the world at large.

    Industrial Revolution was a period of profound transformation in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, characterised by a shift from agrarian, handcrafted economies to machine-based manufacturing and industrialization. 

    1.4.1 Causes of the Industrial Revolution

    Causes of Industrial Revolution

    Developments

    Agricultural Revolution
    • Technological advancements such as steel ploughs and mechanical seed drills, increased agriculture efficiency, food production, and freed up surplus of labor for employment in other sectors.
    • The Enclosure Movement led to eviction of small landholders, who then became available for Industries in urban areas.

    Access to Resources
    • Discovery and exploitation of new resources, such as coal and iron ore, provided the necessary raw materials for industrialization.

    Technological Innovations
    • Inventions like the steam engine, spinning jenny, and power loom revolutionized production methods and increased efficiency in various industries.

    Population Growth
    •  Significant population increase created a large labor force, enabling industries to expand and meet growing demand.

    Trade and Colonialism
    • Expansion of international trade, colonization, and the establishment of global markets created opportunities for economic growth and the exchange of goods.

    Urbanization
    • Rural-to-urban migration resulted in the concentration of people in cities, fueling the demand for goods and services and providing a ready workforce for industries.

    Capital and Investment
    • Accumulation of capital and the rise of a capitalist class allowed for investment in new ventures and technology necessary for industrialization.

    Improved Transportation
    • Developments in transportation, such as the steam-powered locomotive and canals, facilitated the movement of goods and raw materials, promoting industrial growth.

     

    Impacts of the Industrial Revolution

    • Economic Impact
      • Shift to Capitalism: The Industrial Revolution accelerated the rise of capitalism, with private ownership, profit-driven enterprises, and a market-based economy becoming dominant.
      • Unprecedented economic growth, creating new industries, cheap-mass produced goods, increasing productivity, and generating wealth.
      • Increased Standard of Living: with access to mass-produced goods, improved transportation, and advancements in healthcare.
    • Social Impact
      • Urbanization: Mass migration from rural areas to urban centres, resulting in rapid urbanization, overcrowding, and poor/unsanitary living conditions.
      • Emergence of Working class as a new social group, facing harsh working conditions, long hours and low wages. Labour movements/unions formed to advocate for workers' rights.
      • Prevalence of Child labour during the early stages of industrialization, with children as young as five working in factories under harsh conditions.
    • Technological Advancements: Inventions and innovations such as the steam engine, mechanised production, and transportation systems, revolutionized manufacturing processes.
    • Global Impact: It transformed the global economy, increasing international trade, colonisation, and the spread of industrialization to other parts of the world, including India.
    • Environmental Impact: Such as pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources, leading to long-term environmental challenges.

    Conclusion

    The Industrial Revolution, spanning the late 18th and early 19th centuries, had a profound and lasting impact on society, economy, and the world at large. It marked a significant shift from agrarian and artisanal economies to industrialized and mechanized systems of production. 

    Industrial Revolution: Causes, Impacts & Legacy in Modern Society FAQs

    It was a period during the late 18th and early 19th centuries marked by a shift from manual, agrarian production to machine-based industrial manufacturing.

    Key causes include the Agricultural Revolution, technological innovations, access to resources, urbanization, capital investment, and improved transportation.

    Important inventions include the steam engine, spinning jenny, power loom, and steam-powered locomotives.

    It led to urbanization, the rise of the working class, child labor, and significant changes in living and working conditions.

    It caused pollution, deforestation, and depletion of natural resources—challenges that continue to affect us today.
    GS + CSAT Found. Batch 2026 (Hindi) GS + CSAT Found. Batch 2026 (Hindi)
    UPSC QEP 2026 Batch 5 - English
    UPSC QEP 2026 Batch 5 - English
    Buy now View Details
    Submit Your Details to Learn More
    I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.
    Quality Enrichment Program 2025/26 Quality Enrichment Program 2025/26
    NEEV GS + CSAT Foundation 2026/27
    NEEV GS + CSAT Foundation 2026/27
    Buy now View Details
    Quality Enrichment Program 2025/26 Quality Enrichment Program 2025/26
    Our Popular Courses
    Mains Mentorship Program Mains Mentorship Program

    Join theIAShub’s Mains Answer Writing Program

    Refine your answer writing skills and elevate your UPSC preparation with personalized support and expert feedback.

    Fill out the form to get started with the program or any other enquiries !

    I agree to give my consent to receive updates through SMS/Email & WhatsApp*.

    Our Popular Courses

    Show all  

    Best IAS Coaching In Delhi, UPSC Online & Offline Classes by IAShub

    Are you dreaming of becoming an IAS officer? Then, IAShub can be your best guide. It is one of the Best IAS Coaching in Delhi. Many students who want to clear the UPSC exam join IAShub for learning. The institute gives both online and offline classes. Their teachers are experienced and helpful. They easily explain every topic. Students also get notes, tests, and tips to do well in the exam.

    UPSC Online Classes by IAShub

    IAShub is in Delhi and is trusted by many UPSC students. It offers coaching for every part of the UPSC exam – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The classes are simple and easy to understand. The teachers are experts and guide students in the right way. IAShub is also known for its helpful notes, test series, and answer-writing practice. IAShub is the best coaching in Delhi and also gives UPSC Online Classes. This helps students from any place in India to learn. The online classes are live and also recorded. So, students can watch them anytime. These classes cover the full UPSC syllabus.

    Key Offerings Provided by IAShub

    Here are some important services provided by IAShub:

    • UPSC Prelims: IAShub teaches for Prelims with a focus on basics. It also gives daily current affairs and monthly magazines.
    • Classroom Courses: IAShub has classroom learning for students in Delhi. The environment is good and peaceful for study.
    • Live Classes: Students who live far can join live UPSC online classes. These classes are just like real classes.
    • QEP for Mains: The Quality Enrichment Program (QEP) is special for Mains preparation. It helps students write better and faster.
    • Answer Writing: Regular answer writing practice is given. Teachers also check answers and give tips to improve.
    • Free Resource: IAShub gives free notes by toppers and helpful Main Booster material.
    • Test Series: Test series are available for every subject. These help students know their weak points and improve.
    • Interview Guidance Session: IAShub also gives interview practice sessions with experts. These help students feel confident.

    UPSC Exam Overview

    The UPSC Civil Services Exam has three parts:

    • Prelims: It has two papers: General Studies and CSAT.
    • Mains: It has nine papers, including essays and optional subjects.
    • Interview: It tests the personality and confidence of the student.

    This exam is tough, but with the right guidance, it becomes easy to manage. Students must study smart and stay regular.

    How IAShub Helps in the UPSC Journey

    IAShub supports students from the beginning to the end. It gives the right books, tests, and notes. The classes are easy to follow, and the teachers are always ready to help. Students get personal doubt sessions too. The test series and answer checking help students learn where they need to do better. Also, free study materials save time and money.
    IAShub also guides students during the final stage – the interview. Experts take mock interviews and give useful tips. This full support makes IAShub one of the best IAS coaching in Delhi.

    Best IAS Coaching In Delhi FAQs

    Yes, IAShub offers live and recorded online classes. Students can attend from any part of India.

    Classes are available in both English and Hindi, so students can choose the language they are comfortable with.

    The classroom centre is located in Delhi. Students can visit and join offline batches there.

    IAShub gives interview guidance sessions to help students prepare for the final round of UPSC.