Statement: "The World of The Play"

In the early 19th century, the world was changing faster than the people could keep up. Colonization had stretched the British Empire to its limits and frustration was building over new advancements in technology. A move from an agrarian society to an industrial one was taxing on towns. The shifts in life were sometimes hard to adjust.

The United States had broken away from British rule 25 years earlier and wars between the two nations were occurring. It was apparent that the United States had set a standard and trend for other colonies to follow suit. Freedom became the most important attainable right as we can see from the independence of Latin countries from European rule. This independence was not only felt by far away nations, but also people locally. Capitalism amidst the industrial revolution had separated the rich from the poor even further than ever before. As tensions were building, passion began to spurt. Passion for people’s freedom and fair treatment. Passion for the right to exist and work while making enough to support a family. Out of this passion, different philosophies emerged in the form of Marxism, Socialism and Communism. The notion that everyone should be working to better themselves as well as the country grew strong in towns like Nottingham and all over the world. It was apparent that the current systems of economy were not pleasing the people who fight for their country and spill blood for the Empire.

Not only were cities dependant on the factory jobs that the rich provided, but they were now dependant on the rich to take care of them and house them. The few were responsible for the greater many and this produced problems when neglect came about. Working and living conditions were the worst as of yet and death rates climbed in areas of extreme poverty. Technology could not help these people, for the new advancements (which were created to help) were far too expensive for the poor to afford. While factory owners made more money, the poor faced health problems brought about by working in the factories which were smoky, dirty, and other unimaginable horrors. Mistreatment in nearly all of the factories around the world were felt by the women and children forced to work. Again, the common felt hopeless when picking up the paper, only to find that their politicians in London which represented them were being assassinated. Hopelessness was flourishing as times were changing.

Not all was bad, as treaties were being signed in Russia and accords being agreed to by warring nations. There was hope for some in the business of reform and revolution. Light was shed upon some truth whenever people could sit and debate their grievances, coming to an agreement and putting an end to suffering. Although there were breakthroughs, many still suffered. Talk could be cheap when action seemed necessary; the Peterloo Massacre being a prime example.

In conclusion, while some were granted freedom (such as slaves) others who were seemingly free were unable to prosper and live even mildly comfortable. The Industrial Revolution in the early 19th century took the world by storm and affected the lives of many in different areas. Some of these effects were overlooked and completely unfathomable to us in this day.