During the 1750’s to 1850’s the Industrial Revolution was transforming economic life in the West. This began in England during much of the eighteenth century. The Industrial Revolution was characterized by unprecedented economic growth, the factory system of production, and the use of artificially powered machines for transportation and mechanical operations. In the wake of the Industrial Revolution came great social changes. The middle and working classes both grew in number, but the working class was affected the most. Whether the working class benefited from industrialization is a matter of debate. Clearly they bore the burdens of urban social problems. They had to face the overcrowding of slu