The Industrial Revolution in Europe was basically a great change in the order and function of society.

 On surface level, it changed society into one that produced using mass production, factories, etc.

This caused a need for workers, except that the new efficent methods meant that there were less workers needed.

This lead to a) higher unemployment rate, b) lower wages and labor conditions c) disgruntled, poor workers.

This pressure created a tension in society, leading to revolutions everywhere.

The outcome of these revolutions made for a different societal hierarchy, one in which the laboring class was a large part.