Chpt 12 - Industrialization and Nationalism - Glencoe World History Modern Times

Era of European Imperialism (1800–1914)

The historical period from 1800 to 1914 is marked by two pivotal developments: the rise of industrialization and the Western domination of the world. The Industrial Revolution fundamentally altered global dynamics, consolidating Western civilization's position in the modern era. As industrialization progressed, it facilitated the West's expansionist ambitions through the development of advanced technologies, including modern weaponry, which enabled European powers to exert control over much of the globe.

Key Figures and Quotes

• Cecil John Rhodes remarked on imperialism, stating, "The world’s surface is limited, therefore the great object should be to take as much of it as possible." This quote encapsulates the mindset driving 19th-century imperialist policies.

Industrialization Overview

The Industrial Revolution

Industrialization initiated significant transformations across the globe, primarily beginning in Britain and gradually spreading to other nations. This monumental shift, termed the Industrial Revolution, became evident through several innovations:

• 1705: Thomas Newcomen improved steam engine technology.

• 1769: James Watt patented a more efficient steam engine, which greatly impacted transportation and manufacturing industries.

• 1787: Edmund Cartwright invented the power loom, revolutionizing textile production.

Preconditions for Industrial Growth in Britain

The emergence of industrialization in Britain was catalyzed by several interrelated factors:

• Technological Capability: Britain had the necessary technology and entrepreneurial spirit.

• Labor Supply: A workforce was available to operate machines, primarily due to agriculture's increased efficiency.

• Raw Materials: The presence of coal and iron fueled industrial operations, while an extensive colonial empire ensured access to raw materials.

• Market Accessibility: British manufactured goods found markets both domestically and internationally due to the expanding colonial territories.

By the early 1800s, Britain's industrial capabilities positioned it as a global leader in manufacturing and technological advancements.

Global Spread of Industrialization

Japan

In 1853, the arrival of U.S. steamships in Japan initiated industrial growth. This marked Japan's entry into the race for industrialization as they recognized the need to develop their own manufacturing capacity. By 1914, Japan became a major player in global trade, reflecting drastic growth in their merchant fleet.

The United States

American industrialization was also influenced by British innovations, with Samuel Slater, who escaped Britain in 1789, establishing the first U.S. cotton mill. The introduction of standardized parts and assembly lines paved the way for mass production, significantly transforming the manufacturing process worldwide.

The Interplay of Industrialization and Nationalism (1800-1870)

Key Events

• The transition from agrarian economies to industrial powerhouses diminished the reliance on manual labor.

• Ideologies of conservatism, nationalism, and liberalism began to take form, leading to significant social and political changes throughout Europe and America.

• The emergence of Romanticism and Realism highlighted societal changes, influencing art and literature.

Modern Impacts

The consequences of this era are still palpable today. Workers' rights movements, the mechanization of the workforce, and the wave of nationalism that shaped various states are, to a significant extent, rooted in this historical context.

Artists and Literature

Romanticism & Realism

The Industrial Revolution profoundly influenced the arts, catalyzing movements like Romanticism and Realism:

• Romanticism offered a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment, celebrating emotion and individualism while often drawing upon themes from nature and the past.

• Realism, emerging later, focused on depicting everyday life and the struggles of ordinary people, often critiquing the socio-economic conditions of the time.

Notable Figures

• Charles Dickens: His works, such as "Oliver Twist," vividly illustrated the lives of the urban poor and critiqued the exploitation prevalent in industrial society.

• Eugène Delacroix: A leading Romantic painter whose work epitomized the style's emotional depth and extravagant themes.

Conclusion

The era of European imperialism, underpinned by rapid industrialization, significantly redefined global power structures and societal norms from 1800 to 1914. The developments during this period ultimately laid the groundwork for both modern nation-states and the complexities of contemporary global dynamics.