Ch 17 Strayer Nave 2e Lecture
Robert W. Strayer
Ways of the World: A Brief Global
History with Sources
Second Edition
Chapter 17
Revolutions of Industrialization,
1750–1914
Copyright © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin’s
I. Explaining the Industrial Revolution
A. Why Europe?
1. Technology, science, and economics elsewhere: When looking at the preindustrial world, many would not see an inherent advantage for Europe. China arguably had the world’s most impressive technology, and India and the Islamic world had many noteworthy accomplishments. Scientific and intellectual advances had impressed European travelers to the various Asian empires. These societies were also enjoying strong commercial activity and long-distance trade networks that were noteworthy for both their volume and age. Thus, Europe was not predestined for power.
2. Competition within Europe: The inability to unite Europe in the millennium after the collapse of the Roman Empire was a long-term asset for European growth.
With numerous smaller states locked in centuries of competition, a culture of constantly looking for an edge over one’s rivals characterized European politics.
This would lead to state support for innovation. In contrast, the Ottoman, Mughal,
Safavid, and Chinese empires were much larger and (aside from the OttomanSafavid feud over Shi’a and Sunni interpenetrations of Islam) not locked in a cycle of long-term competitive struggle.
3. State-merchant alliances: As these competitive states were fairly young and grew out of the economic collapse of the post-Roman world, they were constantly trying to find new and secure sources of state revenue. Thus, the state frequently developed alliances with merchant groups who promised taxable income streams in return for state support, monopolies, and military aid.
I. Explaining the Industrial Revolution
A. Why Europe?
4. Competition with Asian imports: Once Europeans rounded the southern tip of
Africa and established a direct trade connection with India and China, merchants
Ways of the World: A Brief Global
History with Sources
Second Edition
Chapter 17
Revolutions of Industrialization,
1750–1914
Copyright © 2013 by Bedford/St. Martin’s
I. Explaining the Industrial Revolution
A. Why Europe?
1. Technology, science, and economics elsewhere: When looking at the preindustrial world, many would not see an inherent advantage for Europe. China arguably had the world’s most impressive technology, and India and the Islamic world had many noteworthy accomplishments. Scientific and intellectual advances had impressed European travelers to the various Asian empires. These societies were also enjoying strong commercial activity and long-distance trade networks that were noteworthy for both their volume and age. Thus, Europe was not predestined for power.
2. Competition within Europe: The inability to unite Europe in the millennium after the collapse of the Roman Empire was a long-term asset for European growth.
With numerous smaller states locked in centuries of competition, a culture of constantly looking for an edge over one’s rivals characterized European politics.
This would lead to state support for innovation. In contrast, the Ottoman, Mughal,
Safavid, and Chinese empires were much larger and (aside from the OttomanSafavid feud over Shi’a and Sunni interpenetrations of Islam) not locked in a cycle of long-term competitive struggle.
3. State-merchant alliances: As these competitive states were fairly young and grew out of the economic collapse of the post-Roman world, they were constantly trying to find new and secure sources of state revenue. Thus, the state frequently developed alliances with merchant groups who promised taxable income streams in return for state support, monopolies, and military aid.
I. Explaining the Industrial Revolution
A. Why Europe?
4. Competition with Asian imports: Once Europeans rounded the southern tip of
Africa and established a direct trade connection with India and China, merchants