The Industrial Revolution also led to the growth of the middle class. Merchants and factory owners who were successful in their businesses became wealthy, and they used their wealth to buy land, build houses, and educate their children.
The Industrial Revolution brought about a significant shift in how workers were viewed and treated by the merchant middle class.
The table you provided offers a good comparison of how merchants and factory owners conducted business.
Ownership and Control
One of the most significant changes was the shift from ownership by the person running the business to ownership by a faceless corporation.
Merchants typically owned their own businesses and had a personal relationship with their employees.
Factory owners, on the other hand, were often part of a larger corporation and had little or no personal interaction with the workers.
Safety
Safety was a major concern for both merchants and factory owners, but the nature of the work meant that the risks were far greater for factory workers.
Merchants typically worked in relatively safe conditions, while factory workers were often exposed to dangerous machinery, hazardous materials, and unsanitary conditions.
Factory owners were often more concerned with production than with worker safety, and they were willing to take risks with their employees' health and well-being.
Hiring and Wages
Merchants typically hired workers based on their skills and experience, and they paid them a fair wage.
Factory owners, on the other hand, were often more interested in cheap labor and were willing to hire anyone who was willing to work for low wages.
This led to a decline in wages and working conditions for many workers.
The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the lives of workers, and the changes that it brought about are still felt today.