The Industrial Revolution

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the Industrial Revolution, including definitions and important terms.

Industrial Revolution

A period of major industrialization that transformed economies from agrarian to industrial, characterized by the development of machinery and factories.

Cottage Industry

A system of production where goods are produced at home, by hand, typically sold locally.

Factory System

An organizational method of production where goods are made in large quantities using machinery in a centralized location.

Piece Rate

A method of compensation where workers are paid a fixed rate for each unit produced.

Enclosure Movement

A process in England where common lands were fenced off for private use, leading to the consolidation of land and increased agricultural productivity.

Steam Engine

An engine that uses steam to perform mechanical work, crucial for the development of the industrial sector.

Capitalist System

An economic system where private individuals own and manage businesses for profit.

Surplus Labor

Excess labor that surpasses the needs of an economy, often leading to worker exploitation and demands for labor rights.

Technological Diffusion

The spread of technology from one area to another, often with modifications.

Second Agricultural Revolution

A period of agricultural development marked by increased productivity through the use of machinery and new farming techniques.