What were the characteristics of urban industrial society?
AAS THE QUALITY OF URBAN LIFE IMPROVED ACROSS EUROPE, the class structure became more complex and diverse. Urban society featured many distinct social groups, all of which existed in a state of constant flux and competition. The gap between rich and poor remained enormous, but there were numerous gradations between the extremes.
The Labor AristocracyThis group of British foremen is attending the International Exhibition in Paris in 1862. Their “Sunday best” includes the silk top hats and long morning coats of the propertied classes, but they definitely remain workers, the proud leaders of laboring people. (© Victoria and Albert Museum, London.)