What was a major impact of the Industrial Revolution on social structures?

The major impact of the Industrial Revolution on social structures was the formation of a distinct working class and middle class. This transformation occurred as industrialization shifted the labor force from agrarian-based economies to urban manufacturing.

With the growth of factories and mass production, a new working class emerged, composed of laborers who were employed in industries under often harsh conditions. This class was characterized by long working hours, low wages, and a lack of social mobility. At the same time, the Industrial Revolution led to the rise of a middle class, comprising factory owners, merchants, and professionals who benefited from the economic growth and the new job opportunities created by industrialization.

As these social classes became more defined, they began to shape the political landscape, influencing labor rights movements and new ideologies that focused on the needs and rights of the emerging working class. This distinct separation marked a significant departure from the more fluid social structures of earlier times, where social mobility was less restricted.

The other options do not accurately reflect the changes wrought by the Industrial Revolution. The existing class hierarchies did not remain stable; rather, they shifted significantly with the introduction of new economic realities. Wealth disparities were exacerbated rather than eliminated; industrialization led to significant concentrations of wealth among