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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