The Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on European Society

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts from the Industrial Revolution and its impact on European society.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization from the late 18th to the early 19th centuries that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial.

Proletariat

The working class in industrial societies, particularly factory workers.

Bourgeoisie

The middle class, often associated with industrial capitalism and characterized by their ownership of capital and means of production.

Steam Engine

A machine that converts steam into mechanical energy, which played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution.

Agricultural Revolution

A period of agricultural development and innovation that preceded and supported the Industrial Revolution in Britain.

Factory System

A method of manufacturing that involves the mass production of goods in large facilities using machinery.

Child Labor

The employment of children in industries and factories, often for long hours and in hazardous conditions.

Urbanization

The process through which cities grow, and higher population densities are seen, particularly during the Industrial Revolution.

Great Exhibition 1851

The first World’s Fair held in London to showcase the industrial achievements of the era, symbolizing British industrial dominance.

Transportation Revolution

A period of rapid growth in the construction of railroads and canals, improving the movement of goods and people.

Luddite Movement

A social movement of English textile workers in the early 19th century who protested against industrialization by destroying machines.

Chartism

A working-class movement in Britain during the 1830s and 1840s that sought political reforms including universal suffrage.

Factory Acts

A series of laws passed in the 19th century aimed at improving working conditions in factories.

Coal Mines Act 1842

Legislation that prohibited the employment of women and children underground in coal mines.

Cottage Industry

A system of production where goods are produced on a small scale in homes or workshops before the rise of factories.

The Great Hunger

A devastating famine in Ireland caused by potato blight and exacerbated by social and economic factors, leading to mass emigration.

Joint-stock Investment Bank

Financial institutions that mobilized savings from various investors to fund large industrial projects.

Mechanization

The use of machinery to replace human labor in manufacturing processes, which increased efficiency.

Puddling Process

A method developed in the iron industry to remove impurities from pig iron, resulting in high-quality wrought iron.

Social Class Structure

The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on wealth, income, education, occupation, and social status during the Industrial Revolution.

Economic Liberalism

An ideology advocating for free markets and limited government intervention in economic activities.

Entrepreneur

An individual who organizes and operates a business, taking on financial risks in pursuit of profit.

Public Health Act 1848

Legislation aimed at improving sanitary conditions in urban areas, partly due to the health crises caused by rapid urbanization.

Cottage System

A pre-industrial production system where goods were produced on a small scale, usually at home using hand tools.

Transportation Infrastructure

The underlying physical structures, such as roads, canals, and railways, that support the movement of goods and people.

Economic Disparities

The differences in wealth and income that increased during the Industrial Revolution, leading to a widening gap between social classes.

Labor Union

An organization formed by workers to protect their rights and interests through collective bargaining.

Mines Act 1842

Legislation that regulated conditions and prohibited the employment of boys under 10 and women in mines.

Technological Advances

Innovations that significantly improved industrial processes and product efficiency during the Industrial Revolution.

Living Conditions

The quality of housing and environment provided for workers in urban areas during the Industrial Revolution, often deplorable.

Strikes

Work stoppages by employees to protest against conditions or demand better wages and benefits.

Labor Rights

The rights of workers to fair wages, safe working conditions, and the ability to organize.

Industrial Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership and the investment of capital in the production of goods.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment due to industrial activities.

Economic Growth

An increase in the economic output of a country or region, often measured by GDP, frequently spurred by industrialization.

Specialization of Labor

The process of focusing on specific tasks or roles within the production process, leading to increased efficiency.