One way that European society was changed as a result of the industrial revolution included a shift from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial-based economy. This led to urbanization and the growth of cities, as people moved from rural areas to work in factories. The industrial revolution also brought about changes in social and economic structures, as new classes of workers and capitalists emerged. Additionally, the industrial revolution led to technological advancements that transformed the way people lived and worked, such as the development of steam power and the mechanization of production processes.