Conflicting Views on the Industrial Revolution

During a scientific panel, two historians addressed the effects of the Industrial Revolution on societal structures. Historian A argues that the Industrial Revolution led to immense social progress, including improvements in living conditions, education, and women's rights, citing data showing increased literacy rates and the establishment of labor laws. In contrast, Historian B contends that the Industrial Revolution primarily resulted in widespread exploitation, poor working conditions, and increased child labor, arguing that any social progress was overshadowed by these negative impacts. She highlights numerous accounts of factory conditions that led to health crises and protests.