Using the writings of Sadler, Wollstonecraft, Arndt, and ‘Factory Work’, respond to the
following prompt:
Of all revolutions so far discussed in this course, perhaps none had as far-ranging consequences as the industrial revolution. Whereas previous movements, such as the Enlightenment or the
Scientific Revolution, primarily affected the upper-classes, industrialization truly touched all
segments of European society and altered their outlook on government, society, and the average
citizen’s role in the state. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why or why not?
Further questions for consideration:
1) What did humankind gain from the Industrial Revolution, and what did it lose?
2) What can these documents tell us about the importance of social class in 19th century
European history? Does the class structure appear to be changing?
3) On what basis does Wollstonecraft argue for the rights of women? What problems does
the denial of women’s rights generate for mankind?
4) In what ways would Sadler’s work have been relevant to 19th century readers? How
might a reaction to these interviews have differed among social classes? Why, if at all, is
this important?