How did people prosper in the factory industry during the Industrial Revolution?

Much attention is often given to the negative aspects of the Industrial Revolution. These negatives include worker exploitation, greed, and class struggle. Despite these criticisms, the Industrial Revolution did, in fact, provide new opportunities to workers. Industrialism provided jobs for unskilled workers and provided the opportunity for the acquisition of wealth and social mobility. Some of the famed industrialists of the time like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller came from modest backgrounds and became...

Much attention is often given to the negative aspects of the Industrial Revolution. These negatives include worker exploitation, greed, and class struggle. Despite these criticisms, the Industrial Revolution did, in fact, provide new opportunities to workers. Industrialism provided jobs for unskilled workers and provided the opportunity for the acquisition of wealth and social mobility. Some of the famed industrialists of the time like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller came from modest backgrounds and became quite wealthy.

The movement to a factory system had profound benefits for the consumer as well.  Industrialism increased the number and variety of goods that could be purchased by the consumer. These goods also came at a lower cost.

Industrialists also invest in new technologies and infrastructure that are beneficial to communities. These improvements may be funded by governments in the interest of improving industrial development, but are nonetheless the result of industrialism.  Examples would include roads, railroads, management of rivers, electricity and heating. Technologies that are developed in the factory system made everybody's way of life easier.