As we have previously examined, it was the general indifference, incompetence, and general apathy of a long line of lackluster kings and queens, that aided in this massive cultural change.

When King George III was confronted with the results of the land seizures, he simply legalized the procedure, even while calling for an end to the practice.  He was entirely unable to restore the tradition of the commons and the old feudal way of life.

In addition to the improvement in diet resulting from more and better food and a more productive use of the land, the amount of clothing made available to the poorer classes also increased.

New houses and apartment buildings were constructed, often near a factory or mill site (and often by the owners of those businesses), so that migrating workers found it possible to rent a home, or even to buy one within a period of years.

The accusation is often made that factories fouled the air and ruined many a pretty village.  In actual fact, mills and factories were normally built outside the existing limits of the early cities, and close to available sources of water power or wood fuels.

Sometimes they were placed near shipping points where coal could be brought in cheaply.  In any event, the general tendency was for a new factory or mill to be built on a vacant plot of land outside of town, with workers moving into the area and building huts, homes, and shops around the factory.  No traffic jams - people walked to work!

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