Industrial Revolution (Own Words)

Front 1

Why was the changes in agriculture an necessity for the Industrial Revolution in England in the 18th century?

Back 1

When the enclosure system began in the 18th century, agriculture became more effective. England was second only to the Dutch in productivity in 1700 and they kept on adopting new ways of farming. The result was a period of bountiful crops and low prices which= English families could afford to consume more manufactored goods. Changes from unpaid work for household consumption, toward work for wages.

Front 2

What did the steam engine imply for the location of the factories?

Back 2

It made it possible to adapt the location of the factory after where the best transportations and markets were located. They were no longer dependent on where rivers or other waterways were situated.

Front 3

Why was the "Puddling Furnace" such an important invention for English iron-industry?

Back 3

It allowed pig-iron to be refined in turn with coke. With the spread of coke smelting and the impact of Cort's inventions, prduction of iron had reached 260 000 tons 1806, compared with 17 000 tons in 1740. (It had increased drastically)

Front 4

What significant role did the railways play in the Industrial Revolution?

Back 4

It reduced the cost and uncertainty of shipping freight over land. In all countries the construction of railroads created a strong demand for unskilled workers and contributed to the growth of a class of urban workers. It changed the outlook and values of the entire society.

Front 5

How was it possible for England to become industrialized before the railway was invented?

Back 5

In an age when it was much cheaper to ship goods by water than by land, no part of England was more than 50 miles from navigable water. Beginning in 1770s canal-building enhanced this advantage.

Front 6

Why did the takeoff for the Industrial Revolution first occur in England? (6)

Back 6

*Improvements in agriculture

*Geographical conditions (surrounded by sea)

*Assets of coal and iron

*Capital income from overseas trade(Banking developed earlier and more efficient in England providing funds for individual & cooperate enterprises)

*Its political history (Giving more intellectual freedom)

*Mobile and plentiful supply of labour

Front 7

Describe the development of industrialization outside Britain

Back 7

By the end of the 19th century several European contries as well as Japan and the USA had industrialized their economies to a considerable but variable degree.

The late but substantial industrialization in eastern and southern Europe countries meant that all European states managed to raise per capita industrial levels in the 19th century. These increases were in contrast to the decrease that occurred at the same time in many non-western countries like China & India

Front 8

How did the Industrial Revolution affect people of all social classes?

Back 8

Industrialization led to growing size and wealth of the middle class, as factory owners took their place beside successful merchants and professional people. By the middle of the 18th century wealthy industrial families controlled large enterprises and it was difficult for the poor but talented to break in. A working class also developed during this time, filling the need for vast quantities of labour power

Front 9

What measures was taken to improve the conditions of workers?

Back 9

Rigid rules, stern discipline and long working hours weighed heavily on factory workers and improvements in the stanard of living came slowly. New attitudes toward child labour encouraged protective legislation: Factory Act 1833, and Mines Act 1842. Laws prohibiting underground work for women and girls as for boys under 10.

Front 10

What did Thomas Malthus examine about the dynamics of human population?

Back 10

Thomas Malthus (1766-1834) argued that people strive to increase their income beyond subsistence. This constant effort tends to subject the lower classes of the society to distress, and prevent any good improvements of these conditions.

Front 11

Describe David Ricardo's (1772-1823) ideas about the economic development and population growth.

Back 11

His "Iron Law Wages" stated that because of the population growth, wages would always sink to subsistence level. That is, wages would always be just high enough to keep workers from starving. (This theory proved wrong in the long run)