The Impact of Industrialization on Urbanization in the 19th Century

Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of industrialization in in the 19th century. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive's time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the impacts of industrialization in the 19th century. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the impact of industrialization on urbanization in the 19th century was a transformative force that shaped the trajectory of cities worldwide. The rapid growth of industries during this period led to a significant migration of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of employment and economic opportunities. This influx of population resulted in the expansion of urban areas, the development of new infrastructure, and the emergence of modern cities as we know them today. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Modernization theory, Marxist theory and the Urban Ecology theory may be used to anchor future studies relating to the impacts of industrialization on urbanization in the 19th century. It is crucial to prioritize sustainable urban planning strategies that consider the long-term implications of industrialization on urban growth. Furthermore, to address the social challenges arising from industrialization, governments should invest in social welfare programs. This includes providing affordable housing, access to quality healthcare and education, and social safety nets for vulnerable populations.