<aside> <img src="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" alt="/icons/bookmark-outline_gray.svg" width="40px" /> In this lesson, you will…
Big Question: Why did the Industrial Revolution begin when and where it did?
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The Industrial Revolution is not just a historical event; it signifies a tremendous surge in technological progression that forever changed the course of human history. This period was a period of radical change, drastically different from anything that had come before. Fueled by the intellectual awakening of the Scientific Revolution, the Industrial Revolution marked a dramatic shift in the way of life for millions of people. It was not just a change, but a complete revolution in how people worked, lived, and interacted with each other. This massive shift is very cornerstone of our modern way of life, setting the stage for further technological advancements and innovations that continue to shape our world today.
Before the Industrial Revolution, most Europeans worked and lived on small farming villages using inefficient methods of farming
In the mid-1700s, an Industrial Revolution began in England that transformed the way work was done
New machines mass-produced products which lowered costs, increased profits, and changed the way people lived
The emergence of new farm techniques, such as the innovative method of crop rotation, along with the introduction of new crops like corn and potatoes, sparked a significant Agricultural Revolution across Europe.
The consequence of these advanced techniques and new crops was a remarkable increase in food production. This surge in productivity meant that much more food was produced, effectively supporting a larger population. As a direct outcome of the Agricultural Revolution and increased food production, Europe saw its population begin to increase dramatically.
By all metrics, life in England and around the world improved as countries industrialized and exported it to colonies and trade partners.
The Industrial Revolution began in England for three main reasons:
The textile industry emerged as the pioneering sector in the industrial revolution. This was largely due to the advent of new inventions that dramatically accelerated the processes of spinning, weaving, and sewing.
The introduction of power-driven machines marked a pivotal point in manufacturing. These machines were capable of mass-producing goods at a scale and speed that was previously unachievable. This led to a significant reduction in production costs, making goods more affordable and accessible to a wider consumer base.
The factory system, which emerged during this period, required large amounts of power to operate the machinery. As a result, these factories were typically located near rivers. The flowing water from these rivers was harnessed to generate mechanical power through the use of water wheels.
In 1765, a significant milestone in technological advancement was achieved when James Watt introduced the world to the first steam engine. His invention was revolutionary, producing more power than its predecessors. This newfound power source allowed for factories to be built in cities near workers, effectively changing the landscape of industrial development.
With the creation of these dense, urban environments came an increased demand for new modes of transportation. To meet this demand, roads and canals were constructed, opening up new avenues for trade and travel. Furthermore, steamships began to make their voyages across the Atlantic, revolutionizing maritime travel and commerce.