What was one major impact of the Industrial Revolution on society?

The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed production methods, leading to increased production efficiency as one of its major impacts on society. This period marked a shift from handcraft and agrarian economies to machine-based manufacturing processes. The introduction of machinery in industries such as textiles, iron, and coal mining allowed for faster and more consistent production of goods, which not only met the growing demands of consumers but also made it possible to produce larger quantities at lower costs.

This newfound efficiency had far-reaching consequences. It fueled economic growth, spurred innovations, and enabled the development of new industries, which ultimately changed the landscape of employment and created job opportunities, albeit in different forms than prior to the revolution. The impact of this efficiency was foundational in shaping modern economies and social structures.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not capture the primary outcome of the Industrial Revolution as accurately. For instance, urbanization typically increased due to the migration of people to cities for factory work, rather than decreasing. The need for labor did change, but with the rise of new industries, it wasn't reduced overall in a way that described a decline in labor force requirements. Additionally, traditional farming did not expand in the same sense, as industrialization often led to a shift away from agriculture toward