Industrial Revolution

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The Increase in output of machine-made goods that began in the middle 1700.

Prior to the Revolution:

  • Goods were made by hand
  • Many people lived on farms rather than cities.

During The Revolution:

  • It began because wealthy owners started to buy farms, and people were making machines to start taking life and jobs easier.   * Forced many smaller farmers to leave and find new jobs.
  • Began in England, because they could easily trade, and had many great resources.
  • Impact of Colonialism- More resources available that are needed to “produce” goods.
  • The Steam Engine- One of the more powerful inventions as it could provide power to vehicles.
  • There was a growth in the middle class. (Gap between poor and rich)
  • Positive changes:   * Increased production   * Created jobs   * fostered technology   * Provided Hope   * raised standards of living   * Cheaper goods → more can afford.
  • The ideas spread throughout Europe, the Americas, and Japan.   * The countries who industrialized viewed it as a way to get more money, thus becoming more powerful.
  • Living Conditions:   * Cities were overwhelmed, and couldn’t properly plan. Many things like building codes, sanitation, and education were not great during this time.   * Working conditions:     * 14 hour work days     * work 6 days a week       * Dangers:         * Poor conditions         * Poorly lit, bad ventilations         * dangerous machines         * No Insurance     * Child and women workers     * Underpaid

Capitalism:

The Government has no control over business.

  • Adam Smith- wrote “Wealth of Nations” → birth of capitalism
  • Competition is good   * Invisible hand → competition will naturally push people in the right direction.

Communism:

The government should interfere with business. Essentially controlling most if not all aspects.

  • Battle between “Haves” and “Have Not”   * Bourgeoisie vs. proletariat. Or Rich and Poor.
  • Karl Marx- Came up with the first form of communism.
  • Utopia- a book describing a perfect world where everybody helps out, and carries their weight.
  • Modern Examples of Communism:   * Former Russia (U.S.S.R)   * Cuba   * China

Other Things to Remember:

  • Labor Unions- Groups made within companies to have some sort of power over the company.
  • Child labor laws- made work fairrer for children
  • Workers rights- made the working environment as a whole better for employees.
  • Socialism- A community dicatets business.

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