Industrial Revolution Wage Stagnation (1770-1840)
1770-1840What Happened
The first Industrial Revolution saw output per worker expand by 46%, yet real wages for lower-income workers remained flat or fell for approximately 40 years. Artisan weavers lost work to mechanized looms, sparking the Luddite protests of 1811-1816.
Outcome
Significant displacement of skilled craftsmen. Social unrest. Parliament made machine-breaking a capital offense.
By the late 19th century, new industries had created far more jobs than were lost, and living standards rose dramatically. But the transition took 50+ years.
Why It's Relevant Today
AI executives predict transformation in 18 months, not 50 years. If displacement outpaces job creation at this speed, historical safety nets—which took decades to develop—won't exist.
