The biggest event to happen in the British Empire during the 18th-19th century was the rise of the Industrial Revolution. This revolution caused a dramatic change in society and lifestyle. Some obvious changes were the shift of people from rural areas to urban streets. During this time period, money defined your social class. Having wealth meant owning land and many properties. Rich landowners had a great influence in the political field. They would encourage the government to enforce or reject laws according to their liking. There was an enormous gap between the rich and the poor. Those who owned lands, factories and properties lived lavishly while the poor struggle to survive. However, there was a middle class which consist of merchants and craftsmen whom eventually make enough money to be considered rich. Those who were non-white faced racism. They were considered the indigenous and were stripped from basic rights. These included black, Indians, and Asians. Their culture was shunned and tossed away for the British way of life. The working class consisted of these people and they inevitably suffered. The government did not take care of them. Australia as well as other British ruled land, believed in an “all white” country. The role of women compared to men is quite simple. The man is obligated to work as hard as he can to earn money for the family while the wife serves as a house wife.
Source(BBC)
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