INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Industrial Revolution

Before we can take a look at the Industrial Revolution, we first need to understand the economic system that allowed it to occur! Capitalism

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Capitalism An economic system that advocates free

trade, competition, and choice as a means of achieving prosperity.

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Capitalism Capitalism requires a free market in order

to allow the maximum competition and freedom to consumers and producers.

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Free Market An economy in which government does not

interfere in business activities.

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Scottish Philosopher and Economist Adam Smith (1723-1790) was a critic of mercantilism. He believed that

individualism and competition should be encouraged. He thought these values

would create more wealth. He believed that the

strongest and hardest working would survive.

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Adam Smith His theories on what came to be known as

capitalism. A nation’s wealth is measured by the sum total of its

production of goods and services. Increasing a nation’s wealth is achieved by educating

its people, encouraging them to do what they want, and allowing them to compete among themselves.

Trading freely without government regulation will lead to greater national wealth, less exploitation, and fewer conflicts.

Most of the ownership should be in the hands of individuals and companies.

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Adam Smith’s ideas would become the foundation for modern capitalism.

“The harder youwork, the more

you get!”

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Can you think of some ways in which “competition” in an important factor in society?

What about your life?

Industrialization

Capitalism allowed the rise of industrialization.

Industrial Revolution

In the late 1700s and 1800s, much of Europe and North America experienced an Industrial Revolution. The many scientific and technological changes

during this time resulted in a major shift from skilled workers performing jobs in their home to unskilled workers performing jobs in factories.

The introduction of factories and machinery drastically changed the lifestyles of people.

Industrialization

The process of social and economic change that transforms a human group from an agrarian society into an industrial one.

Industrialization

The Industrial Revolution describes the historical transformation of traditional societies into modern ones. Its defining economic change was the

introduction of the factory system.

Industrialization

Industrial Revolution Products were starting to be produced in a

central location using machine technology and human labour. This resulted in a much higher number of

products to be produced. Its central social change was that it

changed a rural agricultural (agrarian) society into an urban industrial one.

Industrialization

The Industrial Revolution followed two distinct stages. In the first stage, between 1750 – 1850

Britain took the lead in becoming the world’s only real industrial power.

During the second stage, between the mid 1800’s up to about 1914, Western Europe and the United States developed into modern industrial societies.

Industrial Revolution

During this time many entrepreneurs became very wealthy. They were the business and

factory owners. They amassed huge amounts of

money in the new economy of factory production.

The laissez-faire capitalistic values at the time allowed them to keep their money and spend it on leisure activities that they enjoyed. Many of the new wealthy

began competing for the newest and greatest products.

Industrial Revolution

During the Industrial Revolution, business owners were perceived by some as greedy because they earned profits that they did not share with their workers. Classical liberalists would not agree, saying

that the owners were simply enjoying the reward of their hard work and economic risk.

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution and Classical Liberalism The advent of the Industrial Revolution and the

principles of classical liberalism created many new opportunities and challenges for societies.

While new jobs were created for working classes, some argue that the period was characterized by the rich becoming more rich and the poor becoming more poor. Income gaps and standards of living.

Industrialization

Why was Britain the first country to industrialize? The Agricultural Revolution –

new technologies and techniques had greatly improved farming. Crop Rotation (Charles

Townsend) – planting different crops in the same field each year

Seed Drill (Jethro Tull) – planted seeds in straight rows

Enclosure Movement – wealthy landowners claimed the rights to public lands

Industrialization

Why was Britain the first country to industrialize? The Agricultural Revolution helps the Industrial

Revolution in two main ways: subsistence to surplus food production – more food,

more variety, improved diet and health equals increased population growth

Labour force is created – higher population growth and unemployed farmers move into the city to find work

Industrialization

Why was Britain the first country to industrialize? Good government – adopted policies that

would encourage economic growth free trade areas were established in Britain supported enclosure acts encouraged road and canal building to improve

transportation and flow of goods

Industrialization

Why was Britain the first country to industrialize? Large market for goods

growing British population large colonial market for finished goods

Natural Resources large coal and iron ore reserves helped fuel

growth

Industrialization

Why was Britain the first country to industrialize? Growing Middle Class

Entrepreneurs had the financial resources to invest in industries like textiles, railroads, and shipbuilding

An intellectual and social climate that accepted change although a class structure existed, the British accepted

the idea that individuals could improve their social standing

Industrialization

Why was Britain the first country to industrialize? Stability

In the 1700’s Britain and France were on the leading edge of “civilized” societies in Europe. Between 1789 and 1799 revolution disrupted the political and economic life in France. As a result, Britain took centre stage in the emergence of a new industrial society.

Industrialization

Effects on the Working Class The living conditions of the working class or poor at this

time were harsh. Characterized by overcrowding, pollution, disease and

crime.

Industrial Revolution

Challenges of the working class. A look inside many of the factories or mines

of the 19th century would show that laissez-faire capitalism had a negative impact on many workers. Factories were overcrowded and noisy and

had very little ventilation or light.

Industrialization

Effects on the Working Class Rules for employees were often

rigorous and unforgiving. Someone late for work might

have been fired or beaten. 12 to 16 hour shifts were

common. Sometimes workers did not get

breaks. Going to the bathroom was

either not permitted or resulted in a pay deduction.

Injured employees were fired.

Working Conditions

Do you think there are still workplaces today that have some of these conditions? Where?

How would you feel if you had to work in a workplace like this?

Industrial revolution

Child Labourers During this period there was a sharp rise in

child labour. Many children from poor families worked in

mines, farms, factories and as servants, sometimes for long hours and in dangerous conditions.

Why do you think child labor was popular during Industrial Revolution?

Factory owners viewed child labourers as cheap labour and favoured them over adults because they were small, agile and obedient.

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