In Andrew Ure’s Philosophy of Manufacturers, Ure boasts that the industrialized system of manufacturing is undoubtedly progressive toward society as a whole. The necessity of publishing this document alone proves society’s objection to this new economic reform, much of nineteenth century England felt conflicted over industrialization. Indeed no one can deny its efficiency, this dramatic acceleration in the production of goods led to significantly cheaper prices of items with equal or higher quality to that of the artisan. However its dispute lies in the consequences it inflicts upon the working class. This system was not designed to work alongside the artisan rather it undermines their importance. The skill of man had been replaced by machine, his profession was now subjected to the mundane use of machinery. What we as historians can then assume about this society is a great divide, man against machine, worker against manufacturer.

As one would except, Andrew Ure found himself among the wealthy portion of society, the portion of society that was only elevated by the wave of industrialization. There is certain pride in his tone, he begins first by addressing England’s superiority over the Western world. “This island is pre-eminent among civilized nations for the prodigious development of its factory wealth, and has been therefore long viewed with a jealous admiration by foreign powers.” (Ure) These facts point to an obvious bias and lack of compassion, however Ure is not shy to speak to society’s grievances. He does not object to the reality of social consequence, yet to what much of the public might see as consequences, he insists are benefits. Perhaps machinery does threaten the practical use of the common artisan, however it then provides him with the profession of a far more manageable/casual task. Then with the elimination of traditional artisan practices come new artisan practices within the factory. To whom many might complain about unfair wages this is supplemented by the creation of additional employment. Now otherwise unskilled workers such as women and children have the opportunity to work within the factory themselves. In all, Ure dismisses protest against this new and growing system simply as ignorant and irrational.

Along with the Philosophy of Manufacturers bias we can disprove many “beauties” of industrialization with previous readings. Works such as the Communist Manifesto and Leeds Worker’s petition shine additional light on the manufacturing conflict. They help expose the brutal working conditions and unfair treatment of factory workers. The moral objections to factory work are very real. The Philosophy of Manufacturers is quite literally the epitome of the self interest and greed within the upperclass. This article does nothing but prove the massive and polarized wealth divide in the industrialized world.