In source 1, Erasmus Darwin speaks about the revolutionary piece of technology that changed the way of life in the 19th century- the steam engine. The steam engine affected the industrial revolution in various ways, particularly the textile industry. It allowed large pieces of machines in factories to produce mass amounts of cheap energy and products. It also paved the way for European businesses to transport their produce time and cost efficiently, increasing their profit. The steam engine helped develop Europe’s first true industrial machine. Factories no longer needed to be built near water sources like water mills and rivers for energy, allowing business owners to expand, provide jobs and provide a quicker means of transport. One technological development discussed by Nisbet is the effect of electrical lights implemented in Melbourne’s Paddys Markets. Electric lights gave people absolute control over lighting inside their homes and businesses at the simple
flick of a switch. Even in rural areas, many turned to electricity to power their lights instead of candles and oil lamps, saving them for emergencies only. Electricity, particularly electrical lights influenced the way of living and work, allowing industrial plants and workers to work all day long because of it. The use of electrical lights increased the speed of industrialization and allowed the development of a more advanced lighting system. Electric lights paved the way for higher work and home safety measures. During the industrial revolution, your wealth dramatically changed the way you lived your life. Poor women were only allowed to cook, have children and clean cottages whilst men worked jobs outside, usually involving a lot of labour. They were forced to work in factories with very little pay as their small home businesses were destroyed. Both women and children in large numbers had to endure intense labour in dangerous and unhygienic working conditions.