Industrial Revolution: Key Inventions, Social Changes, and Global Spread

Industrial Revolution

Period of major economic change (late 1700s-1800s) when machines replaced hand labor, starting in Britain due to resources, capital, and stable government.

James Hargreaves

Invented the spinning jenny, allowed one worker to spin many threads at once.

Richard Arkwright

Invented the water frame, used water power and led to the first factories.

Samuel Crompton

Invented the spinning mule, combined jenny and water frame to make strong, fine thread.

Edmund Cartwright

Invented the power loom, mechanized weaving.

Thomas Newcomen

Built early steam engine to pump water from mines.

James Watt

Improved steam engine, making it more efficient and useful for factories and transportation.

Henry Cort

Developed puddling, a process that made stronger and cheaper iron.

Richard Trevithick

Built first steam-powered locomotive.

George Stephenson

Designed effective locomotives and railways, known as the 'Father of Railways.'

Factory System

System where workers and machines were brought together in large buildings for mass production.

Great Exhibition of 1851

World's first international industrial fair showing Britain's industrial power.

Crystal Palace

Glass and iron building that housed the Great Exhibition.

Spread of Industrialization

Industrial methods spread from Britain to Europe, the U.S., and later the world.

British vs. Continental Industrialization

Britain industrialized first and faster; Europe relied more on government support and developed later.

Belgium

First to industrialize on the continent, rich in coal and iron.

France

Slower growth, more small workshops.

German States

Fast growth after unification, strong government involvement.

U.S. Industrialization

Used British ideas, benefited from resources, transportation, and inventions like interchangeable parts.

Non-Industrialized World

Provided raw materials and markets; little industrial development themselves.

Population Growth

Better food and medicine caused rapid population increase.

Growth of Cities

People moved to cities for factory jobs.

Living Conditions

Overcrowded housing, poor sanitation, disease.

Urban Reformers

Worked to improve housing, sanitation, and public health.

Industrial Middle Class

Factory owners, merchants, professionals; gained wealth and power.

Working Conditions

Long hours, low wages, dangerous environments.

Child Labor

Children worked long hours in factories and mines for low pay.

Standards of Living

Initially declined for workers, later improved with reforms and higher wages.

Efforts of Change

Workers formed labor unions and went on strikes for better conditions.

Reformers & Government

Passed laws regulating child labor, work hours, and safety.