How did industrialization change society and peoples' lives?

The industrialization of the world changed the manner in which people lived and the way societies interacted in a variety of ways including quality of life, economic power and political repercussions.  The landscape of the world morphed from a primarily agrarian culture to mechanical.  The new industrialization required people to re-think the cultural norms and challenge the government to adapt to the new way of life as well.

Industrialization changed society from agrarian to mechanical, meaning the majority of sustainable jobs moved to larger cities.  This created several problems for the working class.  Living conditions during the early phases of industrialization were poor.  Cities, unable to handle the influx of workers, hastily erected poorly constructed and crowded apartment buildings or other residences.  The workers often lived close to the factories and were surrounded by pollution more often than not.  The work was also dangerous with little government oversight on new industries.  Workers, having yet to form unions, had little bargaining power with managers leaving the workers vulnerable to unsafe conditions.

However, as industrialization's problems were addressed through regulation and natural social reform it also allowed for the expansion of a middle class in America.  The agrarian society had either farmers, often struggling financially or skilled persons of wealth with a narrow middle class.  Industrialization expanded the middle class as workers could become skilled or semi-skilled in industry.  Competition among factories also allowed moderate skill workers to move easier providing a measure of economic independence.

The middle class had the benefit of expendable income for many.  This was used more for entertainment and comfort than ever before, creating a new consumer demand driven market.  New technologies also gave the working class more free time.  The free time and closer association with neighbors drove the creation of the entertainment industry as a viable market.  The darker side of the growing population in cities was racial tension and gang violence.

Industrialization brought wealth to society.  Trade and manufacture became increasingly important on a global scale.  Consumer demand for products, brought on by higher wages and expendable income, fueled the cycle increasing financial gains for the economy.  This came with a huge learning curve in the United States when the Great Depression occurred following the fall of the stock market in October 1929.  Investors had failed to realize the magnitude of the financial markets and the world paid a heavy price.