The Industrial Revolution: Transition to Class-Based Society

The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Class Society

As a consequence of the Industrial Revolution, the Ancient Régime—which was based on rigid Estates—disappeared, giving way to a new class-based society. This new organizational structure was defined by two major groups: the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, both of which emerged from the former Third Estate.

The Bourgeoisie: Owners and Professionals

The bourgeoisie consisted of the wealthy class, primarily factory owners. This group was divided into three distinct tiers:

• High Bourgeoisie: The primary drivers of industrialization and owners of large-scale factories.
• Middle Bourgeoisie (Middle Class): Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, and teachers.
• Low Bourgeoisie: Small shop owners and low-level employees, whose living standards were often closer to the proletariat.

The Proletariat: Life in the Industrial Era

The second group, the proletariat, was the abundant and impoverished working class. Their living conditions were severe:

• Labor Demands: Workers often labored up to 12 hours a day.
• Child Labor: Children as young as nine were employed, preventing them from attending school.
• Economic Exploitation: Workers were often forced to purchase goods from expensive company-owned stores.
• Living Conditions: Families lived in cramped, unsanitary housing near factories, leading to the rapid spread of illness.

Key Differences from the Ancient Régime

The transition to a class-based society introduced fundamental changes to social structure:

• Social Mobility: Unlike the static Ancient Régime, the new system was dynamic. Individuals could move between classes based on their personal wealth.
• Legal Equality: The new society championed the principle that everyone is equal before the law, whereas the Ancient Régime granted special legal privileges to specific Estates.