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Industrialization of Europe quickly made railways essential for the movement of goods and labor needed for industrialization. In the beginning, canals competed with railroads, but the railroads quickly gained ground as steam and rail technology improved. In addition, railroads could be built in places where canals were not practical, thus making railways the transportation of choice.

Look at the picture below of the steam locomotive. What do you notice about the possible environmental impact of this type of widely used technology? Record your thoughts in your notes.

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Sample Response

The locomotive is emitting large clouds of thick black smoke, generated from the burning of coal to create steam. Not only is there obvious air pollution from the plume, but coal mining also extracts an environmental toll. Furthermore, the railroad tracks cut through an open field. This poses a danger to animals that roam the area, potentially dividing herds that require strength in numbers to survive.

Now, study the political cartoon below. Using your notes, reflect on your impressions of the social and environmental effects of steam power and the industrial revolution. It will be helpful to study the image in four quadrants. You may also use any notes from previous activities to help you with your reflection.

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Sample Response

The streetscape is awash in carbon emissions from giant factory smokestacks to smaller, personal vehicles, which the 1831 cartoon presages. The pollution covers a wagon of fresh bread as well as people sitting outside eating and drinking In addition to the health hazard, the cartoon also shows the social stratification of industrial life. It depicts a genteel upper class sitting outside and riding in a carriage. By contrast, there is a group of obviously less-wealthy people working around them. There is also a rougher class of citizens fighting, indicating the crime of the industrial city.