What is one consequence of the Industrial Revolution?

The rise of factory-based manufacturing is a significant consequence of the Industrial Revolution because it fundamentally transformed how goods were produced. Prior to this period, manufacturing was largely a domestic activity, often conducted in small workshops or homes where artisans produced items by hand. The introduction of mechanized processes allowed for mass production, which not only increased efficiency but also reduced the costs of manufactured goods.

As factories emerged, they attracted large numbers of workers from rural areas seeking employment, leading to urbanization as people moved to cities. This shift marked a significant change in the workforce demographic and the economy, with manufacturing becoming a central component of society's structure.

The other options do not accurately represent the impact of the Industrial Revolution. For instance, the decline in urban populations did not occur; rather, urban populations surged as people migrated to cities for factory work. A return to agricultural economies was contrary to the developments during this era, as industrialization decreased reliance on agriculture. Lastly, the expansion of feudal systems is more associated with medieval Europe, whereas the Industrial Revolution led to the rise of capitalism and more modern economic structures, moving away from feudalism.