The Industrial Revolution (W. Europe, U.S., Russia, & Japan)

Late 18th century through the 19th century

“No movement in human history did more than the Industrial Revolution to change the way people live. It has provided humanity with great benefits, and at the same time, it has destroyed people with its less fortunate consequences.”

Industrialization started in Great Britain, then spread to other parts of Western Europe, the

U.S., Japan, & Russia in the 18th century. Industrialization led to

new patterns of production that changed how goods were made & consumed.

home to factory production

Machines using fossil fuel powered engines were used to increase production (replacing human, animal, and water power).

Textile Industry in Britain: where the industrial revolution began.

A 2nd industrial revolution led to new methods in producing steel, chemicals,

electricity and precision machinery.

Factors leading to the rise of industrial production . . .

Abundance of rivers & canals and access to coal, iron, & timber

Population increases and urbanization Improved agricultural production Legal protection of private property Access to foreign resources Accumulation of capital

Development of the factory system concentrated labor and led to an increasing degree of specialization of labor.

Women in the workplace

Children in the workplace.

Developments in transportation and communication. A “smaller” world.

Railroads, Steamships Canal networks Telegraph

The Industrial Revolution brought other CHANGES in Western Europe (and later

Japan):

Urbanization Nations’ wealth and power became

increasingly dependent on industry.*

*agriculture and land control still extremely important

Social classes changed (new groups with new influence): New members of the upper and

middle class (owners, managers, skilled workers)

Urban workers

Other CHANGES from the Industrial Revolution. . .

Patterns of urban society and family dynamics were changed forever.

For example: Public education Pace of life increased . . . Life on the clock,

less rest. Children not as dependent on their parents

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION DESTROYED:

For the lower classes: bad working conditions

Pace of work repetitiveness and

tediousness of work lack of safety standards

in equipment and pollution

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION DESTROYED:

For the working class: low wages little job security (even

if injured or sick)

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION DESTROYED:

there were few laws against overuse and abuse of natural resources

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION DESTROYED:

the early industrial economy was unstable

rapid urbanization led to problems in living conditions

RESPONSES . . . To the changes Government expanded its influence. Reforms to change problems in

industry and cities came from governments and individuals.

Workers responded in different ways- Unionization Created or joined radical groups

People offered new philosophies about economy and politics in the industrial age.

To meet the need for investments in all levels of industry, financiers developed various financial institutions.

The Bottom Line“Industrialized” nations were

able to make better stuff faster than anywhere else in the world.

Global trade changed as industrialists sought raw materials and new markets for factory goods.

Some Continuities… Patriarchy Working classes remained in the lower classes Long hours, low wages, and child labor for the

poor Nobility retained their position in upper class Land continued to be a source of wealth and

status Agriculture continued to be an important part of

the economy, if not the basis of the economy.