Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution
Industrial revolution started in the 18th century in Britain, it caused the major shift from man-made labor
to machine-done labor. The revolution brought many new inventions and technologies, which changed
the lives of people back then. Before the revolution Britain had already started seeing a rise in
population since people from the rural areas were shifting to come to the urban areas, in hopes of
getting a god job with a good wage. This was causing an ideal place for new factories, industries, etc.
Since, they wouldn’t have to find labor or pay much to employ them. As the Industrial Revolution
started getting bigger, there were more factories, more industries being built. And although the
technology was getting better, and machines were being invented. There was still a need of more
human labor than ever.
It started in Britain due to it being easier to mine. And there were more resources present there. Also,
because people started shifting from the rural areas to the urban ones. It also happened due to the new
inventions taking place as well. This was causing an ideal place for factories and industries to be made
in.
There were new classes formed as a result of the industrial revolution. Like the rich, the middle class,
and the poor working people. There was also a shift in the living conditions of the people, since many
people moved from their rural areas to the urban areas for employment. So, they didn’t have a house
where they moved, which caused them to not have a good place to live in. And for some people who
were from the higher classes, their living standard increased. Also, when all these people started moving
from rural to urban areas, the urban areas were not really equipped for handling these many people. As
a result, there was a lot of more pollution by the factories, but by the people as well. As they
contributed in the land pollution. And there were also not enough natural resources for the amount of
people living in a particular place, which caused some people to get sick and unhealthy.
There were many economic changes of industrial revolution. One of them being that because of the
labor changing from man-made to machine-made, the production of the goods was a lot faster and
higher than it was before the revolution. That resulted in the goods becoming more accessible and
affordable. Industrial revolution also caused capitalism, it meant that companies were now owned
privately and operated for profit. This economic system is what gave rise to the new social classes.
Small scale production changed to mass scale production.
Political changes of industrial revolution:
The political changes of the industrial revolution include the different acts, and laws passed during it.
Like the factory act of 1833, this act was basically passed to stop little children from working. It limited
the work of children. Kids under the age of 9 were not allowed to work in certain places, and children
aged 9-13 were not allowed to work for more than 12 hours a day. And no one under the age of 18 was
allowed over-night shifts. And there were supervisors that would go to the factories during this time to
make sure that the rule was being followed. But due to corruption the supervisors often gave false
reports and information, and kids continued to work against the laws.
Environmental:
Pollution, factories smoke, harmful chemicals, diseases, infections, depletion of resources due to
increase use of fossil fuels
Inventions:
Spinning Jenny: This was invented in 1764, by James Hargreaves. Spinning jenny was a major invention
in the textile industry since it helped with the production of cotton, yarns and other materials. At a time
where all the labor was done man-made this was really an invention that made the textile industry grow
more economically.
Watt steam engine: The watt steam engine was invented in 1776, by James Watt. Steam engine was
another useful invention during the industrial revolution. This was technically the 2 nd steam engine
made, but also a better one. Since, this steam engine became the source of power for many factories
and industries in Britain. It was also used in ships, trains, etc.
Locomotive: The locomotive was invented in 1812, by Richard Trevithick. Steam locomotive really
helped the industrial revolution grow, as it was the biggest contributor in transportation. Since, it made
transportation very easy and convenient for people.
Statement of Inquiry:
Research question:
To what extent did the innovation of steam locomotive impact the society in negative and positive ways
in Britain from 1816-1820?
Relevance:
My research question is relevant since it explores the statement of inquiry. ‘To what extent’ this will give
me a chance to research my question in detail. And understand how the innovation of steam locomotive
was impactful in both, positive and negative ways. And how did it impact the society of Britain from the
specific given time (1816-1820). With the help of my research question, I can research and explore the
statement of inquiry and how the innovation and revolution in Britain create new opportunities and
challenges.
The Agricultural Revolution helped bring about the Industrial Revolution through
innovations and inventions that altered how the farming process worked. These new
processes in turn created a decline in both the intensity of the work and the number of
agricultural laborers needed.
Challenges:
Language Barrier
Might not be able to find people, or they may not be available
Or they may not want to give the interview
The smog in 1873 killed over 700 people in London. However, the largest air pollution disaster
in Britain was the great London smog of December 1952 which killed approximately 4000
people.
To what extent did the invention of spinning jenny affect the production of cotton in the textile
industry in Britain during 1764-1769?