Major causes of shifts in social classes during the Industrial Revolution included urbanization, technological advancements, and changes in labor structures. As industries rapidly developed, individuals moved from rural areas to urban centers in search of work, leading to the rise of a new working class. Simultaneously, factory owners and industrialists emerged as a powerful bourgeoisie, creating a marked divide in socioeconomic status. The era also saw the spread of capitalism and changes in labor relations, with the exploitation of workers prompting the formation of labor unions and advocacy for workers' rights, reshaping social hierarchies.