the industrial proletariat was probably richer (in money terms) than the peasantry that preceded them.

Wealthier in what terms? Unhealthier, unfulfilling lives look like being poorer to me.

_{*Lunatic*, n.
One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

The materialistic conception of history is the cornerstone of Marx' ideas. He considered the economic inequality to be prevailing component in the differences between the classes. His arguments, that political equality does not mean much when such economic disparities are present, are still valid today. But under communism it was reverse-economic equality but lack of liberties. So may be the answer lies somewhere in between...
A social welfare state with certain strong responsiblities in the public sector.(Like the Swedish Model)

I'm not ugly,but my beauty is a total creation.Hegel