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Introduction to the Industrial Revolution
New Technologies:
Dramatic Change: The Industrial Revolution marked a significant transformation in society and economies due to new technologies.
Adam Smith's Description: Adam Smith, a Scottish economist and philosopher, described the rigid structure of early factory work, an enduring image of the Industrial Revolution.
Roots of Industrialization:
Influences: The Industrial Revolution was influenced by the Columbian Exchange, the rise of maritime trading empires, increased agricultural productivity, and greater individual accumulation of capital.
Spread: It began in Great Britain and spread to Europe, North America, and eventually the world, reshaping society, increasing world population, shifting people from farms to cities, and expanding the production and consumption of goods.
Agricultural Improvements
Pre-Industrial Revolution:
Early 1700s: An agricultural revolution increased productivity just before the Industrial Revolution.
Crop Rotation and Seed Drill: Crop rotation and the seed drill increased food production efficiency.
Introduction of Potatoes: The potato, introduced from South America, contributed more calories to diets.
Demographic Changes:
Population Growth: Industrialized nations experienced population growth due to increased food availability and improved medical care.
Labor Supply: More people were available to work in factories and provide a market for manufactured goods.
Preindustrial Societies
Early 18th Century:
Rural Life: Most British families lived in rural areas, grew their own food, and made their own clothes.
Commercial Revolution: The establishment of maritime empires made Indian cotton available in Britain, increasing its demand.
Cottage Industry:
Domestic Production: Investors developed the cottage industry, providing raw cotton to women who spun it into finished cloth at home.
Independence for Women: Cottage industries allowed women weavers some independence while working close to their children.
Technological Demands: Slow production rates in cottage industries spurred the development of more efficient technologies and machinery.
Growth of Technology
Innovations:
Spinning Jenny: Invented by James Hargreaves in the 1760s, it allowed weavers to spin multiple threads simultaneously.
Water Frame: Patented by Richard Arkwright in 1769, it used waterpower to drive the spinning wheel, leading to the development of factories.
Factory System:
End of Cottage Industry: Mechanization moved textile production to factories, marking the beginning of the factory system.
Eli Whitney's Interchangeable Parts: In 1798, Whitney's system for manufacturing firearms allowed easy replacement of parts and led to the division of labor.
Division of Labor:
Specialization: Workers focused on specific tasks, increasing efficiency.
Henry Ford's Assembly Line: In the early 20th century, Henry Ford expanded the division of labor concept, developing the moving assembly line for manufacturing automobiles.
Britain’s Industrial Advantages
Geographic and Environmental Factors:
Atlantic Ocean: Britain’s location facilitated the import of raw materials and export of finished goods.
Coal Deposits: Immense coal deposits were vital for powering steam engines and iron production.
Colonial Resources:
Timber and Wealth: Britain’s colonies provided resources and wealth, especially from the trans-Atlantic slave trade, aiding industrial ventures.
Natural Waterways:
Rivers and Canals: Britain’s network of rivers and canals made transporting raw materials and finished products inexpensive.
Fleet and Defense:
Strong Fleets: Britain’s strong naval and commercial fleets supported defense and trade.
Legal Protections:
Private Property: Legal protection of private property assured entrepreneurs their businesses would not be taken away.
Social Changes and Urbanization
Agricultural Shifts:
Increased Production: Agricultural improvements led to higher food production and a growing population.
Enclosure Movement: The enclosure movement forced small farmers to move to urban areas, providing labor for new industries.
Urban Workforce:
Migration to Cities: Displaced farmers moved to cities like Manchester and Liverpool, becoming the workforce for growing industries.
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