Discussion 

How are the subjects of the previous day's homework and the cartoon related?

Both indicate the negative aspects of industrialization in Britain.

Spread of Industrialization

Support from European governments

Industrialization in the United States

Discussion 

What type of assistance could a government provide to encourage industrialization?

The building of roads, railroads, bridges, tunnels, and canals; laws encouraging investment or allowing the use of natural resources

Discussion 

Why did so many people leave rural areas and move to cities during this time? There were not enough jobs in rural areas to support the growing population.

Background 

Between 1845 and 1849, successive failures of the potato crop, caused by a mold that destroyed the leaves and tubers of the potato plant, left nearly half of Ireland's 8 million people without food. The rural poor were particularly hard hit when unusually cold and rainy weather persisted for two summers and nearly the entire crop was ruined. Irish farmers produced other foods; but the poor could not afford these foods, and most of the food was sent to England. America sent corn meal to the Irish, but they weren't used to the taste. The British government provided some loans and soup kitchens, but in general, expected local landlords and officials to solve the problem.  More than 1 million people perished from starvation or diseases.

Background 

The origins of socialistic thought go back at least to Plato, who envisioned a world where people shared everything. Later, some Christian communities practiced the sharing of work and wealth. Socialism has taken many forms throughout history as different thinkers and governments have formulated various ideas about group ownership and social control. In 1516 Sir Thomas More wrote Utopia, in which he envisioned a society where all land and houses would be common property and everyone would move every 10 years to weaken any sense of possession.

The name "Utopian Socialists" was applied to those opposing the ravages of capitalism upon the working class. Robert Owen created a model for a just community when he built New Harmony in Indiana. Owen ran successful textile mills in Scotland, in which he treated his workers with dignity. Owen lost his fortune after New Harmony failed. The 1,000 settlers it attracted squabbled over governing, and many refused to work.

Karl Marx later ridiculed such efforts and offered what he called a scientific approach to socialism. His ideas provided the basis of later socialist governments across Europe, including Russia after its revolution.

Discussion 

What other revolutions have produced widespread social change?

French and American revolutions, which forced changes in government and also fundamentally reformed the relationship between governments and their people.