Which of the following was not a feature of 19th century Europe ?a)New...
The 19th century was a period of social change. Slavery was abolished, and the Second Industrial Revolution led to massive urbanization and much higher levels of productivity, profit and prosperity. European imperialism brought much of Asia and almost all of Africa under colonial rule.
It was marked by the collapse of the Spanish, Napoleonic, Holy Roman and Mughal empires. This paved the way for the growing influence of the British Empire, the Russian Empire, the United States, the German Empire, the French colonial empire and Meiji Japan, with the British boasting unchallenged dominance after 1815. After the defeat of the French Empire and its allies in the Napoleonic Wars, the British and Russian empires expanded greatly, becoming the world's leading powers. The Russian Empire expanded in central and far eastern Asia. The British Empire grew rapidly in the first half of the century, especially with the expansion of vast territories in Canada, Australia, South Africa and heavily populated India, and in the last two decades of the century in Africa. By the end of the century, the British Empire controlled a fifth of the world's land and one quarter of the world's population. During the post-Napoleonic era, it enforced what became known as the Pax Britannica, which had ushered in unprecedented globalization and economic integration on a massive scale.
Which of the following was not a feature of 19th century Europe ?a)New...
Introduction:
The 19th century in Europe witnessed significant changes and developments, particularly with the emergence of the Industrial Revolution and the rapid growth of cities and transportation networks. However, one feature that was not characteristic of this period was high wages. This answer will provide a detailed explanation of why high wages were not a prominent feature of 19th-century Europe.
Industrial Revolution:
The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, brought about major changes in Europe's economic structure. It led to the mechanization of production processes, the growth of factories, and the mass production of goods. As a result, there was a high demand for labor in industries such as textiles, coal mining, and iron production.
Growth of Cities and Railways:
The Industrial Revolution also contributed to the rapid growth of cities and the expansion of railway networks. As industries flourished, urban centers grew in population and size. The development of railways facilitated the transportation of goods and people, connecting different regions and promoting trade and economic growth.
Low Wages:
Despite the economic boom brought about by the Industrial Revolution, high wages were not a characteristic feature of 19th-century Europe. Several factors can explain this phenomenon:
1. Overpopulation and Labor Supply: The population in Europe was rapidly increasing during this period. This led to a surplus of labor supply, which, in turn, decreased the bargaining power of workers. Employers had a larger pool of workers to choose from, allowing them to keep wages low.
2. Lack of Labor Unions and Workers' Rights: The 19th century saw limited legal protections for workers and a lack of labor unions. Without collective bargaining power, workers were unable to negotiate higher wages or improve their working conditions effectively.
3. Unequal Distribution of Wealth: The wealth generated by the Industrial Revolution was concentrated in the hands of a few industrialists and capitalists. The working class, on the other hand, faced difficult living conditions and low wages.
4. Social and Economic Inequality: The 19th century was marked by significant social and economic inequality. The upper classes, including the aristocracy and the bourgeoisie, maintained their privileged positions while the working class struggled to make ends meet.
Conclusion:
In summary, while the 19th century in Europe was characterized by the Industrial Revolution, the growth of cities, and the expansion of railways, high wages were not a prominent feature. Factors such as overpopulation, the absence of labor unions, unequal wealth distribution, and social and economic inequality contributed to the low wages prevalent during this period.