The transformative period spanning the late 18th and 19th centuries, marked by technological advancements like the steam engine and power loom, combined with the subsequent sustained increase in per capita income and living standards observed over the long term, generated profound societal shifts. These included urbanization, the emergence of new social classes, and significant alterations in global trade and power dynamics. The shift from agrarian economies to industrial ones fundamentally reshaped how goods were produced, distributed, and consumed.
This historical shift led to unprecedented improvements in human well-being, including increased life expectancy, improved nutrition, and greater access to education and healthcare. The mass production of goods made them more affordable and accessible, leading to a rise in consumerism. Furthermore, innovations in transportation and communication connected previously isolated communities and facilitated the exchange of ideas and cultures. The resulting economic and social changes laid the foundation for the modern world we inhabit today.
