Which of the following was a key aspect of the Industrial Revolution?

The correct choice highlights the significant societal transformation that occurred during the Industrial Revolution, which was characterized by a shift from rural to urban living. This movement was largely driven by the rise of factories and the need for workers to populate them, drawing people from the countryside into cities where industrial jobs were more plentiful.

As industries boomed, urban areas became hubs of economic activity, offering new opportunities that were not available in rural settings, particularly with the increasing demand for labor to support burgeoning factory systems. This urbanization marked a fundamental change in lifestyle, with more people living in close proximity, altering social structures and family dynamics.

The other choices do not accurately represent the key changes of the Industrial Revolution. The increased reliance on manual labor was supplanted by the advent of machinery and mechanized processes, making labor more about machine operation than simple manual tasks. The focus during this time shifted noticeably toward industry rather than agriculture, which had historically been the backbone of economies prior to this period. Similarly, technology usage actually surged during the Industrial Revolution, with innovations like the steam engine and advancements in manufacturing techniques becoming more prevalent than ever before.