Final answer:
The Industrial Revolution brought about significant societal regressions, such as poor living conditions for the poor, increased income inequality, and exploitation of workers, leading to necessary reforms and social upheaval.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Industrial Revolution, while it led to increased productivity and technological advances, also moved society backward in several ways. One significant impact was the deterioration of living conditions for the working class. Overcrowded housing conditions were ripe for the spread of disease, were often too hot in summer and lacked proper ventilation, leading to health issues.
The rise of income inequality was another byproduct, as the revolution created a divide between the industrialized wealthy nations and those that did not industrialize. This gap resulted in economic disadvantages that are still relevant today. Children and adults worked in conditions with minimal safety, which eventually necessitated labor laws and other reforms to protect workers' rights and well-being.
Notwithstanding the economic growth and the birth of a middle class, the early phases of the Industrial Revolution sparked corruption, low pay, inhumane hours, and exploitation of labor, including child labor. The Second Industrial Revolution saw reform movements and legal efforts to combat these social ills, albeit with varying degrees of success, highlighting how change often lagged behind necessity.
Towards the end of the 1800s, the consequences of rapid urbanization and industrialization—such as filthy cities and unsafe workplaces—called for regulation and reform. Many governments began to take heed of social activists' criticisms, introducing measures to improve life for urban and working-class populations.
Contrasting the new urban and industrial lifestyle with the pre-industrial age, where families had more control over their work pace and products, the Industrial Revolution marked a shift towards mechanized work in factories. Workers now had to adapt to the relentless pace of machines, losing their autonomy over work, with the reward being higher pay and opportunities for social mobility.