Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution machines were developed that had the ability to perform tasks that had previously been restricted to human laborers.
The Industrial Revolution started in the late 18th century in Great Britain, or England. The revolution spread to the United States and to other European countries during the 19th century. Today, some countries in Asia and Africa still haven't experience an industrial revolution and have not transitioned to the modern age. These countries are often referred to as "third-world."
Items that were once handmade in homes were now beginning to be produced in factories. The focus began to move from agriculture to production. Machines in factories often required human operators, or workers. This attracted workers to the cities, and urbanization took place.
The effects of the Industrial Revolution are numerous and profound. First, society became centered around production rather than farming and agriculture; therefore, cities experienced substantial growth. Many people in the upper and middle class experienced a quality-of-living enhancement after the industrial revolution. On the other hand, many members of the lower class suffered. Also, the introduction of factories and mechanical production increased pollution and waste which consequently increased man's damage of the environment. The positives of the Industrial Revolution, however, far outweigh the negatives, as it pushed us into the modern era.