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By now, you have learned about the revolutionary changes that occurred in the 17th and 18th century. By the end of this week, you will be introduced to the industrialization and mechanization in 19th century.

During the latter half of the 19th century, industrialization and mechanization brought about greater changes than the industries they encompassed. Industrialization forever altered the social structure from rural, agrarian societies to ones with lifestyles familiar to us today.

However, Europe continued to struggle with its borders. The mid 19th century saw a substantial number of revolutions throughout Europe, but by the end of the century Germany and Italy were each unified under constitutional monarchies. France had become a republic again and the Russian czars emancipated the serfs.

Worldwide, the changes from farm to factory affected every aspect of life from the division of domestic labour to the recreational activities pursued in free time. In the United States, as with other nations, the shift from farm to factory involved the creation of an entire social structure to include grocery shopping, ready made clothing, need for urbanization and urban infrastructure, universal education, health care, etc. It heralded the birth of department stores and the Sears and Roebuck catalogue that sold EVERYTHING from corsets to house kits.

From the early 19th century to the late 19th century, society moved from a relatively simple division of labour within the household to the development of a middle class with a primary breadwinner. People went from working long hours for survival to working long hours for pay. There was the birth of new recreational activities, including professional sports, amusement parks, vaudeville, and art museums.

Yet, inequalities increased. Indeed, they were as much a part of the new order as the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge or the appearance of advertising. During the latter half of the 19th century, optimists believed that unfair treatment based on region, class, and even race and gender might ease with time. By World War I, these hopes had worn thin.