“Most first achievements in history, however, were not the result of intentional efforts but rather were the unexpected outcome of converging circumstances.” (Strayer)
The industrial revolution is a great example of this concept presented by Strayer. Industrialization opened up a whole new way of life and series of expectations, and at the same time brought large groups of people within society to an all time low. Industrialization created rapid increases in production and urbanization, while simultaneously creating profound social changes especially regarding class. The industrial revolution also reiterated the support for growth and continued success that a cosmopolitan society provides. With continued success and growth ideas regarding self worth and superiority based on technology can become inflated and grandiose.
Examples of over inflated self perception of industrialized civilizations in relation to other non-industrialized civilizations can be seen in the actions of colonial European Empires. Industry and empire unite and support each other in the colonization of Asia and Africa. European conquests of Asia and Africa at this time were more informal and economy based, rather than culturally invasive domination. Even with the more informal approach to colonization, the colonized people and their resources were exploited and the economy of the native civilization was left in ruins.
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