The industrial revolution has had countless long-lasting effects on society. Looking at its negative effects, the industrial revolution caused a rise of inequality due to low wages. Also, child labor caused a lack of education, as the industrial revolution was built on the backs of children. The industrial revolution also widened the wealth gap between countries. In order for factories to run and workers to stay fed, industrializing countries required supplies of raw materials from less developed countries, which caused a rise in exploitation. Rich countries saw poor ones as markets for their factored products, with gave European society a tremendous increase in power. This was also the start of imperialism, caused by Europeans possessing better inventions and more power. The industrial revolution also caused a decrease in health, as machines were badly maintained and people lived in cramped spaces in the city. Lastly, the Industrial Revolution caused a great increase in pollution due to waste chemicals, the many factories, and urbanization. On the other hand, all industrial revolutions showed a development of a middle class which created great opportunities for education and democratic participation, which, in turn, fueled a powerful movement for social reforms. The Industrial Revolution caused a more efficient production, as inventions like the steam engine helped to streamline production of many goods, which reduced the time and labor that was involved in creating goods. Things became cheaper, which made goods more accessible to everyone. Lastly, despite its negative effects, the Industrial Revolution also improved quality of life, as the modern inventions and the amount of wealth that was brought into the cities greatly improved the way that people live. Health care, education, and nutrition all began to get much important and improved.