The Industrial Revolution Essay by BestEssay.Education

The Industrial Revolution Essay Any student in a modern western civilization or history course will of course reach those units related to the Industrial Revolution – the early Industrial Revolution (1750-1850) in England and the ensuing second Industrial Revolution that spread to the rest of Western Europe and America. This was a fascinating time in man’s journey, for it brought changes in lifestyles that no one could have imagined, along with social, economic, and political upheaval. It is no wonder, then, that instructors and professors love to assign essay and research papers on a huge variety of topics related to both Industrial Revolutions. If you have options for topics, you will have no problem finding one that interests you, because they are so varied. And almost any type of essay can be written as well – descriptive, definition, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, and persuasive/argumentative. Here are some topic ideas for essays of each type. Descriptive Describe the working conditions in specific industries – meat packing, coal mining, steel or automotive factories. Describe the impact of the invention of the steam engine on industries other than transportation Describe the exodus from rural to urban areas and the living conditions in urban areas surrounding factories Definition What is an industrial revolution? Can we say that mankind, throughout all of history, has had mini industrial revolutions beginning with the invention of the wheel? Provide an extensive definition of the term division of labor both during the Industrial Revolution and today How did Henry Ford define the factory system that he created? Comparison/Contrast Contrast the manufacturing systems that used steam engine power with those that later came to use coal and hydroelectric power? Compare and contrast the lifestyles of so-called â€Å"native† Americans with those of newer immigrants who came from Eastern and Southern Europe. Contrast the public educational systems between the years 1875-1945 and today. Cause/Effect What were the effects of the Industrial Revolution on the family unit? What changes in governmental economic policies occurred as a result of the industrial revolution? What conditions and pressures resulted in child labor, work hours, and working conditions laws that restricted powerful industrial leaders? Persuasive/Argumentative Write a persuasive essay that supports or rejects the notion of laissez-faire capitalism. Minimum wage laws in the U.S. began in 1938. Make a case that they are or are not necessary today. Government regulations of industry and commerce began as early as the 1920’s. Are we-over-regulated today? What single invention during the Industrial Revolution (first or second) do you believe has, over time, had the greatest impact on man? Writing the Industrial Revolution Essay These essays, like those for any other courses, will require the same basic structure – introduction, body and conclusion. As well, be certain that you have included the following: A strong thesis statement in your introduction. Why is this topic important? The answer to that question will give you your thesis. You must have supportive detail for each point that you make in your body paragraphs. This means that you will need facts and figures from research – don’t’ scrimp! Begin your essay with a startling statistic or a short anecdote from your research. Be creative. Your essay can utilize interesting formats. For example, an essay that describes life on the factory floor might be written in the form of a letter that a new immigrant is writing to his family back in Europe. Writing the Industrial Revolution Research Paper Any of the topics above could be expanded to produce an excellent research paper. And, because of the time period involved, there are innumerable primary resource materials available. Use those, rather than secondary source materials. They are easy to find, and your instructor or professor will be greatly impressed! For these and any other essays or papers for which you need help, be sure to contact the helpful folks at .