5.3 and 5.4 The Industrial Revolution Begins & Spreads

Overview of the Industrial Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution consists of two distinct phases:

  • Phase 1 Industrialization: 1750 - 1840

  • Phase 2 Industrialization: 1840 - 1920

• Phase 1 focuses on early technologies and industries before electricity and oil became predominant.

Characteristics of Phase 1 Industrialization

• Energy Sources: Predominantly water and steam power fueled by coal.

• Start of Industrialization: Primarily the textile industry, particularly the cotton industry.

  • Initial industrialization involved wool and linen due to ease of handling compared to cotton.

  • The cotton gin, invented by Eli Whitney, revolutionized cotton processing leading to its dominance.

The Textile Industry

• High Demand: British textiles in demand due to urbanization and colonial needs for affordable clothing.

• Initially, cotton was imported from India, where skilled artisans produced textiles.

• With industrialization, Britain outproduced India, flooding the market with cheaper textiles.

• This shift is an example of mercantilism—Britain strengthened its economy by undermining others.

Technological Advancements

• Key innovations included:

  • Spinning Jenny: Improved efficiency of spinning cotton.

  • Water Wheel: Used for factory automation.

  • Power Loom: Automated weaving processes.

  • Steam Engine: Modified by James Watt to power machinery, leading to factory expansion away from rivers.

• The steam engine also powered trains and steamships, enhancing transportation of goods and people.

Factory System

• Transition from cottage industries to factory work marked a significant societal change.

• Strict division arose between workers and owners/managers.

• Factories operated on set timetables, contrasting with the flexible work schedules of cottage industries.

• Labor conditions were often harsh, and child labor was prevalent as factories sought to minimize costs.

• Joint Stock Companies: Promoted large-scale capitalist enterprises leading to the development of corporations.

Social Classes

• Working Class: Included women and children forced to work to support families.

  • Lives characterized by poverty and lack of education.

• Middle Class: Benefited in different ways; women confined to home roles, known as the cult of domesticity—believing in distinct gender roles for men and women.

Negative Consequences of Phase 1

• Rapid urbanization introduced numerous challenges:

  • Pollution: Resulting from industrial activities.

  • Public Health Crises: Outbreaks like cholera due to unsanitary living conditions.

  • Housing Shortages: As populations grew, governments struggled to provide adequate housing.

• Crime rates increased as cities became overcrowded.

Positive Outcomes of Phase 1

• Economic growth and the emergence of larger businesses.

• Formation of new middle class professions such as banking and engineering.

• Population growth linked to improvements in health and longevity.

Industrialization Beyond Britain

• European Expansion: Industrialization spread to Belgium, France, Switzerland, and the German states through voluntary migration and industrial espionage.

  • By the 1860s, these countries began to rival Britain in industrial output.

• United States: Significant industrial growth spurred by Samuel Slater's establishment of the first American factory and Eli Whitney's cotton gin.

  • Railroads expanded rapidly, connecting vast distances across the country.

• Russia: Industrial development lagged due to rural economy and serfdom; ultimately, failed to keep pace with Western industrial nations.

• South Asia: British colonial policies suppressed indigenous industrialization, transforming India from a producer of goods to an importer of British textiles.

Conclusion

• The Phase 1 Industrial Revolution laid the groundwork for modern industrial societies, prompting significant social and economic changes while introducing persistent challenges.