Origins, Development, and Impact of Industrialization (1750–2005)

Industrialization

The process by which economies transition from agriculture-based to industrial-based, transforming societies and global power structures from 1750 to 2005.

Agricultural Revolution

A period of significant agricultural development that led to increased food production and population growth, providing surplus labor for factories.

Steam Engine

An invention by James Watt that revolutionized production by increasing efficiency and reducing costs.

Spinning Jenny

A multi-spindle spinning frame invented by James Hargreaves that increased yarn production.

Power Loom

An invention by Edmund Cartwright that mechanized the process of weaving cloth, increasing textile production efficiency.

Urbanization

The movement of people from rural areas to cities, creating a workforce for factories and leading to rapid city growth.

Political Stability

A condition in countries like Britain that encouraged industrial growth through supportive policies and trade.

Industrial Hub

A city or region that serves as a center of industrial activity, such as Manchester and Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution.

Heavy Industry

Manufacturing that involves large-scale production, heavy machinery, and significant government support, as seen in Germany's industrialization.

Mass Production

The manufacturing of goods in large quantities through the use of standardized production processes, exemplified by Henry Ford's assembly line.

Monopolies

Market structures where a single firm dominates and controls supply of goods or services; often criticized for leading to worker exploitation.

Meiji Restoration

A period starting in 1868 when Japan transitioned from a feudal society to an industrialized nation through government-led modernization.

Labor Unions

Organizations formed by workers to advocate for improved wages, working conditions, and rights.

Socialism

A political and economic theory advocating for collective or governmental ownership of production, developed as a response to industrial capitalism.

Imperial Expansion

The process during which industrialized nations sought new markets and raw materials, leading to colonial exploitation.

Scramble for Africa

The rapid invasion, colonization, and division of African territory by European powers in the late 19th century for economic gain.

Consumer Goods

Products manufactured for personal use by the public, which gained prominence in the post-WWII economic boom.

Cold War

A period of political tension (1947-1991) that intensified industrial and technological competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Digital Revolution

The shift to digital technology from the late 20th century that automated processes and transformed industries.

Economic Dependency

A situation where a country's economy relies heavily on exporting raw materials to industrialized nations.

Child Labor

The employment of children in factories under harsh conditions, common during early industrialization.

Resource Exploitation

The extraction and use of natural resources for economic gain, often leading to environmental and social challenges.

Technological Advancements

Innovations that drive progress in industry and production, significantly impacting economic development.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, particularly in trade and investment.

Warfare Industrialization

The transformation of military strategy and production methods during the World Wars, due to advancements in industry.