The First Wave of the Industrial

RevolutionThe most fundamental and important change in human society since the Neolithic Revolution.

What is the Industrial

Revolution? A period from approximately 1750-1850 of

world history in which fundamental changes occurred in the manufacture of agriculture, textile, and metals, along with drastic improvements in transportation, economic policies and social structure that began in England.

Improvements in Agriculture

Improved yield through… The enclosure of common village fields

into individual landholdings. The use of sturdier farm implements

fashioned from metal. The improved techniques and practices

of using one crop to restore the fertility of the soil and Jethro Tull’s Seed Drill that began planting crops in rows.

The breeding of livestock, control of insects, and the use of horsepower (not oxen) in the fields.

Improvements in Textiles

Rapid change in production through… The factory system, first introduced by

Richard Arkwright and his water frame that could make the spinning of thread more efficient.

Improvements in Metals

Changes seen in two areas: Coal mining

Began the utilization of ponies and carts on rails to move coal out of the mines.

Started to have better tunnel ventilation, began the use of gunpowder to blast away at the coal seams, and illuminated the tunnels with safety lamps.

Iron The production of iron smelted with

the use of coke (a by product of coal), instead of charcoal (derived from the charring of wood).

Changes in Transportation

First, over water… The construction of canals connected

industrial districts and were backed by the merchants and industrialists, who had a great stake in their construction.

Then, over land… The construction of railways with the

use of a steam powered locomotive. Dominated the transportation scene

for a century as a reliable means for transporting passengers and freight.

Use of steam spurred numerous industries to rise from infancy to adolescence.

Changes in Economic Policies

Prior to industrialization… Land was the primary source of wealth

A new source of great wealth grew from the Industrial Revolution, deriving from the ownership of factories and machinery (Capitalists).

The root of the problem initially was the lack of an adequate banking system to fund the ventures and pay wages to the workers. The early 1700s brought with it country banks.

Labor Problems: Factories were poorly ventilated, noisy, dirty, and poorly

lit Laborers worked 12-14 hours a day Work done in large, impersonal settings

These problems would lead to… The creation of unions

Changes in Social Structure

In the 18th century, the population was rapidly expanding due to… A decline in the death rate An increase in the birth rate The virtual elimination of the dreaded plagues An increase in the availability of food

Pre versus Post Industrialization Higher wages in industry than offered in the villages The old system of apprenticeship did not allow an

apprentice to marry City life provided young people with a greater choice

of prospective partners Industry provided people with improved clothing and

housing Urban Life

Towns became crowded, dirty, and unregulated because they grew so quickly

Public sanitation and public health were ignored and no one understood the effects

Second Industrial Revolution

Bessemer Steel Electricity Assembly Line Mass Production Internal Combustion Engine