Informational Essay
OPTION B: Pick two areas that you would like to focus on to show the differences between the social classes during the Industrial Revolution. They could be housing, clothing, food, jobs, leisure activities, and so on. Then, apply technology and research images that represent the differences for each class. You will need a total of six pictures, two from each social class. As you collect images, write brief descriptions of each including the approximate time period and region of the world and any other facts you find interesting.
Upper class:
Middle class:
Working class
Upper Class:
1) Housing: A luxurious mansion in the English countryside during the early 19th century. This image represents the opulent homes owned by the upper class during the Industrial Revolution. These mansions often featured large gardens, spacious rooms, and elaborate decor. The upper class enjoyed the comfort and luxury of these grand houses, which were typically found in regions such as England, France, and the United States.
2) Clothing: A portrait of a wealthy aristocratic family in their finest attire, circa late 18th century. The upper class was known for their extravagant clothing, made from expensive and luxurious materials such as silk, satin, and velvet. The fashion of this period often included elaborate dresses and ornate accessories, reflecting the wealth and status of the upper class. This image represents the fashion trends of the time and can be found in regions such as Europe and North America.
Middle Class:
1) Housing: An image of a comfortable suburban house during the mid-19th century in North America. The middle class during the Industrial Revolution experienced a significant improvement in their living conditions compared to the working class. They had access to decent housing, often in suburban areas, with multiple bedrooms, a garden, and improved sanitation facilities. This image represents the comfortable and modest homes enjoyed by the middle class, particularly in regions like the United States and Canada.
2) Clothing: A photograph of a typical middle-class family dressed for a Sunday outing in the late 19th century. The clothing worn by the middle class was more practical and less extravagant compared to the upper class. Men wore suits, while women wore simple dresses made from more affordable fabrics such as cotton. This image reflects the fashion preferences of the middle class during this time period and can be found in regions such as Europe and North America.
Working Class:
1) Housing: An image of a crowded tenement building in the slums of London during the mid-19th century. The working class faced harsh living conditions during the Industrial Revolution, with cramped and unsanitary housing. Tenement buildings, like the one depicted in the image, often housed multiple families in small, poorly ventilated rooms. This image represents the overcrowding and poverty experienced by the working class in urban areas during this time, particularly in regions such as the United Kingdom and industrialized parts of Europe.
2) Jobs: A photograph of workers in a factory during the late 19th century. The working class predominantly worked in factories, mines, and other manual labor industries. They often endured harsh working conditions, long hours, and low wages. This image represents the tireless labor of the working class during the Industrial Revolution. It can be found in various regions around the world, including Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.