Analysing Historical Sources — Vocabulary from Source 1 and Source 2 (Industrial Revolution)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts needed to analyse the provided sources (primary vs secondary, symbolism, context, usefulness, perspective, motive, and purpose) related to the Industrial Revolution sources.

Primary source

A source created during the period being studied; provides first-hand or direct evidence.

Secondary source

A source produced after the period that analyzes, interprets, or summarizes primary sources.

Symbol

An object, image, or sign that stands for a broader idea beyond its literal meaning.

Message

The main idea or argument a source communicates to its audience.

Historical context

The background conditions, events, and ideas surrounding a source’s creation.

Usefulness

How helpful a source is for historians, depending on reliability, perspective, and relevance.

Perspective

The point of view from which a source is written or produced.

Motive

The reason the creator made the source in the past.

Purpose

The intended aim or function of the source in its present or historical use.

Overcrowding

Extremely crowded living conditions described in Source 2.

Living conditions

The quality of housing, warmth, cleanliness, and safety described in the sources.

Charity (in Source 1)

The act of aiding the poor depicted in the cartoon, often critiqued for its social implications.

Engels

German philosopher and activist whose writings helped develop socialism and communism.

Industrial Revolution

Period of rapid industrialization in Britain, shaping the social context of the sources.

Reliability

The trustworthiness of a source, based on factors like accuracy, factual support, and lack of bias.

Bias

A leaning or prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, often in a way considered unfair.

Urbanization

The process by which towns and cities grow, often as a result of industrialization and population movement from rural to urban areas.

Capitalism

An economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods and means of production.

Communism

A political and economic ideology advocating a classless society where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community.

Nationalism

A political ideology emphasizing an individual's identification with their nation and its interests.

Causes of the Industrial Revolution

Factors included agricultural advancements, population growth, new technologies (e.g., steam engine), access to raw materials (coal, iron), and stable political conditions.

Factory conditions

Often characterized by long hours, low wages, dangerous machinery, poor ventilation, and lack of safety regulations.

Child labour

The employment of children in industries, often in harsh and dangerous environments, common due to low wages and their small size.

Public health challenges (Industrial Revolution)

Marked by poor sanitation, contaminated water, rapid spread of diseases (e.g., cholera, typhus), and high mortality rates due to overcrowded urban areas.

Short-term impacts of the Industrial Revolution

Rapid urbanization, growth of the factory system, harsh working and living conditions for the working class, and increased social inequality.

Long-term impacts of the Industrial Revolution

Rise of new economic ideologies (capitalism, socialism), significant technological advancements, improved living standards for some, environmental pollution, and global economic shifts.