History notes

Chapter 20: Industrial RevolutionI. Improvements in Agriculture (In Great Britain)Two key factors:

• Protestant Work Ethic: Emphasis on hard work as a virtue.

• Agricultural Advancements: Innovations improving farming efficiency.

A. Protestant Work Ethic

• Origins: Associated with Calvinism in Geneva.

• The Elect: People sought assurance of spiritual security through material success.

• Work's Nature: Seen as noble, not a punishment.

B. Agricultural Advancements

• Farmers became akin to scientists, applying innovations.

• By the 1700s, Britain was under a landed-class rule.

• Innovations in Farming:

  1. Crop Rotations:

     • Standard three-field crop rotation in Middle Ages: Wheat, oats, and one fallow.

     • 17th-century 4-field rotation: Wheat, oats, clover (for livestock), and turnips to enhance soil fertility.

     • Result: Higher productivity with no fallow fields, leading to more food production.

  2. Selective Breeding:

     • Applying scientific principles to improve livestock yields (e.g., wool quality).

     • Inventions:

       • Jethro Tull’s Seed Drill (18th Century): Enhanced seed sowing efficiency.

       • John Deere’s Steel Plow (19th Century): Introduced replaceable parts and effective plowing techniques.

       • Cyrus McCormick: Invented the mechanical reaper (1834) and introduced innovative business practices leading to profitability. He also made charitable contributions towards education and community welfare.

• Impact of Better Tools: Enhanced agricultural output. Population growth between 1750-1850 (doubled), with declining birth rates due to improved life expectancy and nutrition variables. Transition from farming jobs to industrial labor.

C. A New Way of Life

• Old Farming and Industry: Transition from subsistence farming and domestic system (small-scale production) to commercial farming and the factory system.

• Enclosure Movement: Consolidated land use, leading to market-oriented agriculture but displaced poor farmers. Resulted in increased efficiency of food production. Shift seen as more people engaged in buying food than producing it.

D. Technological Changes and Organization

• Textile Innovations: First sector to mechanize in Britain.

  • Key Inventions:

    1. Power Loom: Developed by Edmund Cartwright; increased clothing production rates.

    2. Cotton Gin (1793): Invented by Eli Whitney; drastically increased cotton production, leading to heightened slavery demands in the U.S. Cotton dubbed the "king" of cash crops.

• Steam Power and Coal Mining:

  • Improvements in Steam Power:

    • Early engine by Thomas Newcomen (1705) and enhanced by James Watt (1776).

    • Increased safety measures like the miner's safety lamp invented by Sir Humphrey Davy.

• Steel Production Advances:

  • Henry Bessemer: Developed a method to produce steel affordably and with high quality.

E. Science in the Age of Industry

• Chemistry and Physics: Contributions from John Dalton (atomic theory), Michael Faraday (electric generator), and Lord Kelvin (thermodynamics).

• Health and Medicine Innovations:

  • Edward Jenner: Developed smallpox vaccine.

  • Louis Pasteur: Developed germ theory and pasteurization, improving food safety.

  • Joseph Lister: Advanced antiseptic techniques, positively impacting surgical outcomes.

F. Benefits of Capitalism

• Shift from Mercantilism: New economic philosophy underpinned by Adam Smith’s "Wealth of Nations" (1776).

• Forerunners of industrial giants: John D. Rockefeller (oil), Andrew Carnegie (steel), and JP Morgan (banking) exerted enormous influence while engaging in philanthropy.

Supplement: The Victorian Era

• Britain established its leadership during the Industrial Revolution with reforms achieved through parliamentary methods rather than revolts.

• Queen Victoria: Influential monarch promoting moral values; her family and marriage to Prince Albert symbolized Britain’s ascendency and commitment to Biblical morality.

C. Progress Toward Democracy

• Industrial revolution caused demographic shifts, necessitating reforms in representation.

• Reform Bill of 1832: Expanded suffrage to urban middle class.

• People’s Charter (1839): Advocated for universal male suffrage and electoral reforms, gaining gradual acceptance.

Key Political Figures: PMs William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli had opposing but complementary views, contributing to stability (Pax Britannica).

D. Significant Christianity Influence

• Christian values fostered a vibrant missionary presence, addressing societal needs.

• Key Figures: Charles Spurgeon (preacher), George Muller (orphanages), and William Booth (Salvation Army) undertook immense social reforms.

William Wilberforce: Championed the abolishment of the slave trade; significant milestones toward human rights during the Victorian period.Overview of slavery throughout history, focusing on justifications and the movement towards abolishment in 1833.

British Imperialism:

• Characterized as mutually beneficial, expanding commerce and diplomatic relations.

• Canada and India marked significant colonial territories, each with unique historical interactions with Britain.

Africa:

• Explored by various missionaries and colonists, with notable figures like David Livingstone promoting both exploration and Christianity.