What changes occurred in the social status of artisans during the Industrial Revolution?

During the Industrial Revolution, the social status of artisans declined as they were replaced by mechanised production.

The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the late 18th to early 19th century, brought about significant changes in the social and economic structures of society. One of the most profound changes was the shift from manual labour to mechanised production. This had a direct impact on artisans, who were skilled manual labourers that crafted goods by hand. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, artisans held a high social status as their skills were highly valued and sought after. They were often self-employed, owning their own workshops and controlling their work pace and hours.

However, the advent of the Industrial Revolution saw the rise of factories and mass production. The new machinery could produce goods at a much faster rate and at a lower cost than artisans could. This led to a decline in the demand for artisanal goods, as factory-produced goods were cheaper and more readily available. As a result, many artisans were forced to close their workshops and seek employment in factories.

In the factories, artisans were no longer independent workers but became part of a larger workforce. They had to work long hours under harsh conditions and were paid low wages. Their skills were no longer as valued as before, as the emphasis was on the ability to operate machinery rather than on craftsmanship. This led to a significant decline in their social status.

Furthermore, the Industrial Revolution also led to the rise of a new social class - the industrial capitalists. These were the factory owners who amassed great wealth from the production and sale of factory-made goods. They became the new elite, further pushing the artisans down the social ladder.

In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution brought about a significant decline in the social status of artisans. They were replaced by mechanised production and their skills were no longer as valued as before. They were forced to become factory workers, working under harsh conditions for low wages. The rise of the industrial capitalists also contributed to their decline in social status.