Industrial Revolution

Industrial Revolution

The transition from an agrarian, handicraft economy to one dominated by industry, machine manufacturing, and mechanized power, beginning in Britain during the mid-18th century.

Enclosure Movement

The privatization and fencing-off of common rural land in Britain, which increased farming efficiency while displacing small farmers who migrated to urban factory centers.

Cottage Industry

A decentralized production method common before industrialization, where rural workers produced textile goods by hand in their own homes for merchant employers.

James Watt

Scottish inventor who adapted the steam engine with a separate condenser, greatly improving its efficiency and providing mechanical power for factories and transportation.

Spinning Jenny

A multi-spindle spinning frame invented by James Hargreaves in 1764 that dramatically accelerated the production of yarn and thread for the textile trade.

Urbanization

The mass migration of people from rural regions into cities, which led to rapid population growth, tenement housing, and poor sanitation in industrial towns.

Laissez-faire

The free-market economic doctrine popularized by Adam Smith, advocating minimal government intervention, regulation, or taxation in business operations.

Labor Unions

Associations formed by workers during the 19th century to negotiate collectively with employers for safer workplace environments, reasonable hours, and fair wages.