The Industrial Revolution (18-19th Century)

Summary

The Industrial Revolution transformed agrarian and handicraft economies in Europe and America into industrial, urbanized ones between the 18th-19th centuries. Agricultural improvements supported population growth while technological innovations like the steam engine, powered by abundant coal and iron, enabled mechanization of production. Great Britain, with relative peace, ample resources, and incentives for innovation, birthplaced these changes. Cities exploded as people pursued new industrial labor opportunities. By 1900, heavy industrialization spread worldwide, though Britain ceded leadership to the United States. The Industrial Revolution utterly reshaped economies and societies.

Takeaways

• 😲 The Industrial Revolution transformed agrarian and handicraft economies in Europe and America into industrial, urbanized ones in the 18th-19th century
• 🏭 The term was first used by French writers but popularized by British historian Arnold Toynbee
• 🚜 The Agricultural Revolution increased food output which supported industrialization
• ⛽️ New machines and technology like the steam engine powered industrialization
• 🛣 Roads, canals and railways connected Britain and enabled transport of goods
• 🏢 Industrialization saw huge migration from rural areas to cities with factories, pollution
• 🤖 Mechanization increased textile production through inventions like the spinning mule
• 🔩 Henry Bessemer developed an inexpensive way to mass produce steel
• 🇬🇧 Britain was the epicenter of the Revolution due to stability and colonial wealth
• 📈 By 1900 the US surpassed Britain as the leading industrial nation

Q & A

What time period is considered the Industrial Revolution?

The Industrial Revolution took place from the mid-18th century to the mid-19th century, approximately 1750-1850.

What developments enabled the Agricultural Revolution that supported industrialization?

Key developments were increased food production through more efficient farming methods, reduced need for farm labor which migrated to cities, and improved farming tools and machines powered by steam engines rather than human/animal labor.

How did canals and roads change Britain during industrialization?

Canals and roads connected Britain's regions and allowed goods to be transported over long distances, dramatically changing trade and commerce.

What were living conditions like in industrial cities?

Industrial cities were overcrowded, dirty, dangerous, and had strict rules and harsh punishments in textile factories where many residents worked.

How did production scale with industrialization?

Mechanization and inventions like the spinning mule and power loom enabled large scale textile production in factories rather than home-based cottage industry.

Why was Great Britain the first to industrialize?

Abundant natural resources, relative peace/stability on an island, wealthy investors not needing to fund a large army, respect for engineers/inventors, and profits from colonial trade and the powerful navy.

What percentage of Great Britain's population lived in cities by 1850?

Over 50% of Great Britain's population lived in towns or cities by 1850, up from only 15% in 1750.

What countries soon followed Britain in industrializing?

Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, and the United States rapidly industrialized after Britain's initial lead.

Which country became the top industrial nation by 1900?

The United States overtook Great Britain to become the world's leading industrial nation by 1900.

How did population growth contribute to industrialization?

Increased food output allowed population growth which provided a large workforce that migrated from farms to factories in industrial towns and cities.