Hist 108 Students Must Submit A Term Essay ✓ Solved

Term Essays Hist 108 students are required to submit a term

Students are required to submit a term essay 7-10 pages in length (word processed, double-spaced or 1.5). This essay is to be argumentative in nature, providing an argument or thesis rather than simply a statement of purpose. The essay must be world history centered and fall within the chronological confines of the course. All topics must be approved by the instructor, and students will be provided with a list of suggested essay topics and a bibliography of works in the TWU Library.

Students will be required to submit an essay proposal outlining the tentative topic (due Oct 19), a tentative thesis, and bibliography (due Nov 9). Papers are due Dec 8. Late papers will be subject to a penalty of 3% per day without extension. The instructor reserves the right to refuse or demand a rewriting of any essay submitted without a previously accepted proposal.

Your essay should ideally incorporate the following principles:

  1. An introductory paragraph that poses the problem to be discussed and presents the argument.
  2. A thematic point-by-point discussion in the body of the essay, reflecting conclusions and supported by factual data or the actions/thoughts of historical figures.
  3. A conclusion summarizing your findings, which recapitulates the introduction.

As this is a research essay, proper use of source material is necessary. Use direct quotations only from primary sources. Information from secondary sources should be paraphrased and properly cited. All outside information must be cited following departmental guidelines, with either footnotes or endnotes being acceptable.

Internet material for primary sources is encouraged, but secondary sources from the internet must be approved by the instructor. All citations from the internet must be complete and identify the author’s qualifications. Wikipedia is not acceptable as a source, and lecture material should only be used for background information. A proper bibliography must be provided, and points will be deducted for spelling or typographical errors.

Late papers will incur a 3-point penalty per day, and extensions will only be granted for documented medical reasons or circumstances beyond a student’s control.

Paper For Above Instructions

Title: The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Society

The Industrial Revolution marks a pivotal point in the history of humanity, fundamentally altering various aspects of society. From its beginning in the late 18th century, it introduced groundbreaking changes in technology, economy, and culture, shaping the modern world we inhabit today. This essay aims to argue that the Industrial Revolution not only revolutionized production and economic processes but also laid the foundational social structures that continue to influence contemporary society.

In the introductory phase, it is essential to define the context of the Industrial Revolution. This period is characterized by a transition from agrarian economies to industrialized and urban centers. Innovators and thinkers such as Adam Smith and Karl Marx highlighted the transformative economic implications of industrialization. Smith's notion of the 'invisible hand' emphasizes the self-regulating behavior of the marketplace, while Marx critiques the socioeconomic consequences of capitalism in his seminal works. These foundational theories frame the largely positive and negative implications of the Industrial Revolution, setting the stage for further analysis.

One significant theme resulting from the Industrial Revolution is the growth of factories and urbanization. The emergence of factories created employment opportunities but also led to overcrowded cities. People flocked from rural areas in hopes of better lives, often facing grim working conditions. According to E.J. Hobsbawm, the urban environment generated new social classes, particularly the rich industrial capitalists and the impoverished working class (Hobsbawm, 1999). This socio-economic divide continues to manifest itself today, showcasing the long-lasting effects of industrialization.

Moreover, the Industrial Revolution catalyzed technological advancement in multiple sectors, with innovations like the steam engine and spinning jenny transforming production methods. These advancements increased efficiency and output, which subsequently led to a surplus of goods and a shift in economic paradigms. Freed from the limitations of manual labor, industries could scale operations, resulting in increased wealth for some and exploitation for others. The importance of technology in shaping society cannot be overstated; it provided the tools necessary for future development.

Another essential point of discussion is the global impact of the Industrial Revolution. With the need for raw materials and markets for finished goods, European nations expanded their colonial reach during the 19th century, leading to imperialism. This expansion not only affected the colonized regions but also had repercussions for the colonizers’ domestic policies. Critics like Anne McClintock argue that the ideologies underpinning imperialism owe their roots to the economic motives that surfaced during the Industrial Revolution (McClintock, 1995). Thus, the interconnectedness of global trade was forged, influencing cultural exchange and political relations that persist today.

Moreover, the social implications of this period cannot be understated, as concepts of class struggle emerged prominently, particularly in the writings of Marx and Engels. Their critiques of capitalism argue that the proletariat’s conditions would continue to deteriorate unless they unite to overthrow the bourgeoisie. This advocacy for social justice and equality persists in contemporary movements aimed at addressing economic disparities. The methods employed during the Industrial Revolution to protest and advocate for workers' rights resonate in modern labor movements, proving the lasting impact of this era on social dynamics.

Conclusively, the Industrial Revolution represents a major turning point in world history, catalyzing industrial growth while simultaneously highlighting socio-economic disparities. Its implications continue to echo through contemporary society—from technological advancements and urbanization to global trade and class struggles. Addressing these complexities helps us to appreciate not only the advancements achieved but also the lessons learned from past inequities that fostered social movements in pursuit of justice. By analyzing this transformative era, one can gain insights into our current socio-political climate and the continuing relevance of historical struggles.

References

  • Hobsbawm, E. J. (1999). The Age of Revolution: 1789-1848. Vintage.
  • McClintock, A. (1995). Imperial Leather: Race, Gender and Sexuality in the Colonial Context. Routledge.
  • Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. Penguin Classics.
  • Smith, A. (1776). The Wealth of Nations. Methuen & Co.
  • Ashton, T. S. (1948). The Industrial Revolution 1760-1830. Oxford University Press.
  • Thompson, E. P. (1963). The Making of the English Working Class. Vintage.
  • Rosenberg, N., & Birdzell, L. (1986). How The West Grew Rich: The Economic Transformation of the Industrial World. Basic Books.
  • Pollard, S. (1968). The Genesis of Modern Management: A Study of the Industrial Revolution. Oxford University Press.
  • Ferguson, N. (2003). Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order and the Lessons for Global Power. Basic Books.
  • Acemoglu, D., & Robinson, J. A. (2012). Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty. Crown Business.