Pick two areas that you would like to focus on to show the differences between the social classes during the Industrial Revolution. The areas can be: housing, clothing, food, jobs, leisure activities, etc. Then, apply technology and research images that represent the differences for each class. You will need a total of six images (2 for each social class). Along with the images, you will write brief descriptions of each
including the approximate time period, region of the world, and any other facts you
find interesting about the images. If you are unable to provide a copy of each image, you may provide links for each image.
Upper class:
Middle class:
Working Class:
Upper class: Housing and Clothing
Housing - The upper class during the Industrial Revolution lived in large, elaborate mansions and estates. These homes were often made of expensive materials such as brick, stone, and wood, and featured multiple stories, grand entrance halls, and sprawling gardens. The interiors were lavishly decorated with luxurious furnishings, artwork, and intricate architectural details.
Clothing - The upper class during the Industrial Revolution wore extravagant and fashionable clothing made of high-quality fabrics such as silk, velvet, and lace. Women’s fashion featured elaborate dresses with hoop skirts, corsets, and ornate embellishments, while men wore tailored suits, top hats, and silk cravats. Accessories such as gloves, fans, and parasols were also popular among the upper class.
Middle class: Housing and Clothing
Housing - The middle class during the Industrial Revolution lived in smaller, more modest homes than the upper class. These homes were typically terraced houses or semi-detached cottages made of brick and located in urban areas close to factories and workplaces. While not as grand as the homes of the upper class, middle-class homes were still comfortable and well-equipped with modern amenities.
Clothing - The middle class during the Industrial Revolution wore practical and relatively simple clothing made of durable fabrics such as wool, cotton, and linen. Women’s fashion featured full skirts, high-necked blouses, and tailored jackets, while men wore trousers, waistcoats, and jackets. Middle-class clothing was less ornate and elaborate than that of the upper class, reflecting the values of practicality and thriftiness.
Working class: Housing and Clothing
Housing - The working class during the Industrial Revolution lived in overcrowded and unsanitary slums and tenements near factories and industrial areas. These homes were cramped, poorly ventilated, and lacked basic amenities such as running water and sanitation. Many working-class families lived in one or two rooms with multiple occupants, leading to high rates of disease and poverty.
Clothing - The working class during the Industrial Revolution wore simple and inexpensive clothing made of cheap fabrics such as calico, flannel, and denim. Women’s fashion featured plain dresses with aprons and shawls, while men wore trousers, shirts, and waistcoats. Working-class clothing was often worn and patched to extend its lifespan, reflecting the limited financial resources available to the lower classes.