Industrial Revolution: Ideologies, Systems, and Society

Anarchist Principles and Social Solidarity

Anarchist thinkers had in common three basic principles: the exaltation of individual freedom and social solidarity, the critique of private property while defending forms of collective ownership, and the rejection of authority, mainly the state. They defended the action of the revolutionary workers and peasants to destroy the state and create a new collectivist and egalitarian society.

The anarchists were opposed to participation in political life and the organization of workers in parties. Some advocated violent action against the pillars of capitalism, while others sponsored the creation of revolutionary unions (anarcho-syndicalism) as the condition for improving working conditions and boosting social revolution.

The Norfolk System

The Norfolk System is a system that allows no piece of land to be left at rest (fallow) and obtains arable crops with which to feed cattle.

Steam Engine Innovation

The steam engine was invented by James Watt in 1769; it used charcoal as fuel and allowed for the abandonment of traditional energy sources.

The Manufacturing System

The manufacturing system is the concentration of workers in large buildings using industrial machinery.

Economic Protectionism

Protectionism is an economic policy that regulates the entry of foreign goods into a country to manage competition within the combined political system.

Taylorism and Production Tasks

Taylorism consists of the manufacturing chain—that is, the division of production processes into very specific tasks using high-precision machines.

Karl Marx and the Workers' Revolution

Karl Marx was a German thinker of the 19th century who, along with Engels, denounced the exploitation of the working class and defended the need for a workers' revolution to destroy capitalism.

The Rise of a Wealth-Based Class Society

The new industry was not established as in the Old Regime by birth, but by wealth. The old stratified society gave way to a class society.

The Bourgeoisie and Social Models

The bourgeoisie were the owners of the industries and large businesses. This group included:

• Large bourgeoisie: Bankers, renters, and owners of large factories.
• Middle bourgeoisie: Merchants and liberal professional staff.
• Small bourgeoisie: Employees and shopkeepers.

The bourgeoisie became the center of social life and prevailed as a social model to imitate.

Working Conditions of the Proletariat

The factory workers formed the industrial proletariat in urban areas. In the beginning, there was no legislation to fix the working conditions of workers; therefore, hours, wages, and holidays were arbitrarily established by entrepreneurs.

Consequently, their living conditions were very hard: the labor journey lasted from 12 to 14 hours a day, and wages were insufficient to support a family. This forced women and children to also work to sustain the whole family.