The Conditions of the Working Class in England: In Chapter 3 Misa states that “The beer known as porter deserves full recognition as a prototypical industrial-age product alongside cotton, iron, and coal.” (p. 65) What arguments does he provide to support this statement?

Please read the following:

Misa, Chapter 3

Engels, Friedrich. The Conditions of the Working Class in England (1845). Excerpt. (Available on Blackboard Learn in the additional readings folder)

Based on the readings by Misa and Engels, as well as the in-class presentations, please discuss the following four (4) points in a well-written, 300-400 word essay (feel free to exceed that amount if you have more to say):

1. In Chapter 3 of his book, Misa states that “The beer known as porter deserves full recognition as a prototypical industrial-age product alongside cotton, iron, and coal.” (p. 65) What arguments does he provide to support this statement?

2. Both Misa and Engels discuss the high mortality rates of industrial workers. Identify at least two examples which they cite as the causes of these high worker mortality rates.

3. Both Misa and Engels describe the voluminous amounts of pollution produced by industrialization. Can you locate and identify any other areas of globe today where similar conditions exist as a result of industrialization?

4. Opinion question (no right or wrong answer): Historically, direct action efforts aimed at discouraging or stopping the development of certain technologies (indicative of the Luddites and Luddite-inspired groups such as Earth First!) rarely succeed. Can you think of any possible strategies employed by everyday citizens that might prove more successful at discouraging the development of certain technologies?

In this essay, as in all essays for this course, use examples from the readings and class lectures to support your arguments. When quoting text, always include the author’s name and page number where you found the quote. For example: Misa, p. 67.