Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was the period of enormous social, economic and cultural change that began in the middle of the eighteenth century in Great Britain which expanded throughout the rest of the world. During this time, countries gradually shifted from a primarily agrarian society to one of machine industry and manufacture. The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes that transformed the way people lived. Some of the most crucial technological advancements include the uses of fossil fuel, steam for power and the development and manufacturing of steel for transportation. The inventions of the power loom and spinning jenny were significant timesavers to the textile industry and allowed an increase in output. Discoveries in the chemical industry led to the use of petroleum for fuel, which was used in the new internal combustion engines that propelled automobiles. The high demand for manufactured goods did not necessarily lead to a higher quality of living in the cities. Air and water pollution from the factories, jeopardize the peoples’ health. Many factory owners took advantage of the workers who worked long hours in very dangerous circumstances. The workers were also paid lowered wages.
Children were also a source of labor during this time. Business owners could pay children considerably less than adult workers. The massive rate of immigrants who migrated from the country sides to work in the factories led to severe overcrowding in urban areas resulted in substandard living conditions. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain because social, political, and legal and geographical conditions. Property rights, such as those for patents on mechanical improvements, were well established. Earnings were safer, people could gain wealth, social prestige, and power more easily. Due to Britain’s geography, a system of internal waterways and canals made the transport of goods less difficult than in other nations. Coalfields, provided fuel
Children were also a source of labor during this time. Business owners could pay children considerably less than adult workers. The massive rate of immigrants who migrated from the country sides to work in the factories led to severe overcrowding in urban areas resulted in substandard living conditions. The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain because social, political, and legal and geographical conditions. Property rights, such as those for patents on mechanical improvements, were well established. Earnings were safer, people could gain wealth, social prestige, and power more easily. Due to Britain’s geography, a system of internal waterways and canals made the transport of goods less difficult than in other nations. Coalfields, provided fuel
Bibliography: · http://www.ecology.com/archived-links/industrial-revolution/index.html · The Industrial Revolution 1760-1830, T.S. Ashton and P. Hudson · Oxford University Press 1968 USA New Preface Pat Hudson 1997 · http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/indrevo.htm · The British Industrial Revolution: An Economic Perspective by Joel Mokyr Westview Press 1999 USA · The First Industrial Revolution by Phyllis Deane · Cambridge University Press 2000 England · http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ENLIGHT/INDUSTRY.HTM