Rapid industrialization at the end of the eighteenth century had a profound effect on England. Cities grew larger, but the municipal authorities, unprepared for such rapid growth, were unable to meet the needs of the growing city and influx of urban dwellers. Early industrial cities were filthy places covered with soot and excrement, shoddy buildings were built haphazardly and in close proximity to one another, and entire families crammed into single room apartments. Disease spread. Fire erupted. Crime increased. The urban poor suffered the most from these conditions, while the middle class, also known as the bourgeoisie, flourished from their capitalist ventures.
Self-Help
argues in favor of “the capitalist ethic,” a vigorous spirit of enterprise and the strong belief that the talented individual could raise himself above common origins to a position of wealth and stature through discipline and hard work. It helped shape the middle class through private enterprise and competition and encouraged the lower classes through the hope of upward mobility.