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Unit 4: Nationalism, Industrialism, and Imperialism

Lesson H: Social Responses to an Industrialized World

Review and Assessment


Social responses to the negative impacts of industrialization during the 19th century varied. Reformers from both the middle and working classes wanted change. Socialists sought to eliminate private ownership in the hopes of gaining more equality between classes. They felt industrial capitalism hurt the working class, so instead they felt the means of production, and the wealth that it produced, should be shared.

Some education reformers also wanted greater equality between classes. They promoted educational opportunities for all children, despite their economic standing. Demands for reform did not only come from people who disagreed with industrialism, though. Other educational reformers promoted change to create better workers and scientists that could further advance the country's economy.

Artistic responses to industrialization varied as well. Romanticists rejected the mechanical, disciplined, and scientific world of the 19th century and instead favored emotion, religion, and the power of nature. Realists expressed their discontent by bringing attention to the social ills. Lastly, impressionists were positively influenced by the discoveries and inventions of the time, especially the camera. They played with the use of light and color to capture fleeting moments.

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Think about the transformations of the 19th century and how people with different perspectives viewed these transformations. The image below includes just one perspective about these changes. Think about these examples and analyze the image as you complete the BCR below.

magnify pyramid of capitalism

Pyramid of Capitalism [1]


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Brief Constructed Response - Image Analysis of the Industrialized World


  • Think about the characteristics and changes of the 19th century.
  • Describe the message of the image and explain how political, economic, and social changes influenced the message.
  • Identify at least one group of people who would have supported the image’s message and one group who would have opposed it.
  • Explain the beliefs and/or goals of each group and why they would agree/disagree with the image.
  • Include details and examples to support your answer.

Download Icon Download the Student Resource: Image Analysis of the Industrialized World Brief Constructed Response (BCR) (doc).

Download Icon Select the link to review the Social Studies Rubric (pdf).

Dropbox Icon Submit the completed BCR to your teacher as instructed.


Page Notes:

[1] Source: This image from http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capitalism_bild.jpg is in the public domain.