4.2.2: Social and Political Impact in Europe
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In his 1835 article "The Philosophy of Manufacturers," Andrew Ure describes the new industrial system that had developed in England over the course of the previous century. He argues that the new factory system is beneficial to workers, since it relieves them of much of the tedium of manufacturing goods by hand. He also notes that the system does away with skilled workers by replacing them with machines. While machines are expensive, unskilled women and children can operate them for very low wages, which saves money for factory owners. Ultimately, Ure concludes that the Industrial Revolution has benefited the people of England and any opposition to it is simply due to ignorance and fear mongering.