THE EDWARDIAN ERA THE INFLUENCE OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ON LADIES FASHIONS

By the late 1890's, the Industrial Revolution had created new technologies that changed the way people lived. The growth of factories spawned a large middle class as large corporations generated new wealth and an upwardly middle class.

Sewing machines enabled the production of ready made clothing and made it easier for women to sew their own clothes. An increased literacy in the new middle class gave women access to information. 

The inventions of the typewriter, telephone, and telegraph offered women increased employment opportunities when previously, women's jobs were restricted to domestic servitude or factory work.
Fashion changed accordingly !

Despite the fact that a large majority of working women labored long hours for low pay in dimly lit, poorly ventilated factories and mills, a new kind of woman was beginning to emerge. The new women of the early 1900's was educated and informed, with an interest in politics and social causes. The opposing concept of an educated middle class woman was active and outgoing contrasted with the urge toward luxury and hedonism to create the culture we call Edwardian.