MYP 4&5 History Notes
Industrial Revolution
Britain industrialized between 1750 and 1850, transforming from an agricultural society to one centered around factories.
Population increased, with a shift from rural to urban living.
Factors enabling the Industrial Revolution in Britain:
Increasing population: Provided a labor force and demand for goods.
Overseas trade: Provided wealth for investment and access to raw materials/markets.
Agricultural improvements: Ensured sufficient food for the population.
Improved transport: Facilitated movement of materials and goods.
Entrepreneurs and inventors: Drove innovation in industries.
Raw materials: Availability of iron and coal.
Peace: Stable political climate.
Key inventions in the textile industry:
Enabled manufacturers to improve industry.
Iron Industry:
In 1709, Abraham Darby I discovered that if coal was first turned into coke, it could successfully be used for smelting.
In 1793, Henry Cort devised a method called 'puddling', which enabled wrought iron to be produced.
Steam Engine:
Perfected by James Watt.
The rotary steam engine could be used to drive machinery in textile mills and other factories, which no longer had to be built near rivers for their power.
In 1781, Watt, helped by William Murdoch, devised a rotary motion steam engine which used sun and planet gears.
Watt was also helped by John Wilkinson, the iron-master, who invented a lathe which could produce accurately bored cylinders.
Working Conditions
Unskilled labor performed most of the work in mills due to automated machinery.
Women and children made up a significant portion of the workforce.
Children were employed due to lower wages and ability to fit under machines.
Factory Reform Act of 1833
No children under the age of 9 could work in the mills.
Children between 9 and 13 were to work no more than 12 hours a day.
No one under 18 was to work the night shift.
Four factory inspectors were appointed to oversee the Act.
Social and Political Change
Rapid town growth led to overcrowded living conditions and disease.
A new middle class emerged with wealth from factories and investments.
The Industrial Revolution caused changes in people's attitudes towards the political system.
The Reform Act was passed, which increased the number of people who could vote.
Industrial Revolution in Japan
Japan transformed from a closed, feudal society to an industrialized state.
Internal factors: outdated feudal system.
External factors: American interest for trade and provisions.
1854: Treaty of Kanagawa signed, opening Japan to trade.
Meiji Restoration
Emperor Meiji took over powers of the Shogun.
Charter Oath declared reforms and modernization.
Reforms included abolishing the feudal system, and political and economic restructuring.
Economic reforms included new farming methods, the silk industry, industrialization led to the expansion of domestic and foreign trade.
Social reforms included adopting Western customs and compulsory education.
Military reforms: Modernization of the military had already begun before the fall of the shogunate as some powerful daimyo were impressed by Western forces.