The Industrial Revolution (W. Europe, U.S., Russia, & Japan)

Late 18th century through the

19th century

“No movement in human history did

more than the Industrial Revolution to

change the way people live. It has

provided humanity with great benefits,

and at the same time, it has destroyed

people with its less fortunate

consequences.”

Industrialization started in Great Britain, then

spread to other parts of Western Europe, the U.S., Japan, & Russia in the 18th century.

Industrialization led

to new patterns of

production that

changed how goods

were made &

consumed.

home to factory production

Machines using fossil fuel powered

engines were used to increase

production (replacing human,

animal, and water power).

Textile Industry in Britain: where

the industrial revolution began.

A 2nd industrial revolution led to new

methods in producing steel, chemicals,

electricity and precision machinery.

Factors leading to the rise of

industrial production . . .

Abundance of rivers & canals and access

to coal, iron, & timber

Population increases and urbanization

Improved agricultural production

Legal protection of private property

Access to foreign resources

Accumulation of capital

Development of the factory

system concentrated labor

and led to an increasing

degree of specialization of

labor.

Women in the workplace

Children in the workplace.

Developments in transportation and

communication. A “smaller”

world.

Railroads, Steamships

Canal networks

Telegraph

The Industrial Revolution brought other

CHANGES in Western Europe (and later

Japan):

Urbanization

Nations’ wealth and power became increasingly dependent on industry.*

*agriculture and land control still extremely important

Social classes changed (new groups

with new influence):

New members of the upper and

middle class (owners, managers,

skilled workers)

Urban workers

Other CHANGES from the

Industrial Revolution. . .

Patterns of urban society and family dynamics were changed forever.

For example:

Public education

Pace of life increased . . . Life on the clock, less rest.

Children not as dependent on their parents

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION

DESTROYED:

For the lower classes: bad working conditions

Pace of work

repetitiveness and tediousness of work

lack of safety standards in equipment and pollution

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION

DESTROYED:

For the working class:

low wages

little job security (even if injured or sick)

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION

DESTROYED:

there were few laws against overuse and abuse of natural resources

HOW INDUSTRIALIZATION

DESTROYED:

the early industrial economy was unstable

rapid urbanization led to problems in living conditions

RESPONSES . . . To the changes

Government expanded its influence.

Reforms to change problems in industry and cities came from governments and individuals.

Workers responded in different ways-

Unionization

Created or joined radical groups

People offered new philosophies about economy and politics in the industrial age.

To meet the need

for investments in

all levels of

industry,

financiers

developed

various financial

institutions.

The Bottom Line

“Industrialized” nations were

able to make better stuff faster

than anywhere else in the world.

Global trade changed as

industrialists sought raw

materials and new markets for

factory goods.

Some Continuities… Patriarchy

Working classes remained in the lower classes

Long hours, low wages, and child labor for the

poor

Nobility retained their position in upper class

Land continued to be a source of wealth and

status

Agriculture continued to be an important part of

the economy, if not the basis of the economy.