The Industrial Revolution was one of the most important time periods in history. It changed the way people lived back the 1800's, and shaped the way people would live in the future. Overall, the Industrial Revolution was essential to modernization, and creating a better way of life. However, for Europe in the early 1800's the Industrial Revolution only made the way of life harder and more depressing for the overwhelming majority of citizens. One perfect example of a typical industrialized city in Europe during the early 1800's is Manchester. In this city, work was strenuous, living conditions were terrible, and sickness was widespread.

Before industrialization, most people owned farms, or at least worked on one. With the enclosure movement came an agricultural revolution, and with the agricultural revolution came a population boom. The people who once owned farms were out of a job, and factories were popping up...