What economic change was observed as a result of industrialization?

The period of industrialization marked a significant transformation in economic systems globally, characterized by the emergence of factory-based production. This shift led to the growth of wage labor, where individuals became employees earning salaries rather than relying on agricultural or artisanal work. As factories proliferated, the demand for workers increased, thereby creating job opportunities that were paid by wage rather than barter or direct exchange.

In addition, industrialization prompted the development of consumer markets. As production increased and goods became more available, consumers began to have greater access to a variety of products. This change encouraged a shift away from self-sufficiency and towards purchasing goods in a market context, which further stimulated economic growth and fostered a consumer culture.

Overall, the combination of an expanding labor force and the rise of consumer demand fundamentally altered economic structures, solidifying wage labor as a cornerstone of the industrial economy. This development contrasted sharply with the other choices, which either suggest declines in jobs or shifts away from market-based economic interactions that did not align with the realities of the industrial economy.