Industrial revolution in Britain

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution marked the transition phase of Britain’s economy, which was mostly dependent on manual methods of production, and switched to being mostly mechanized. The increased use of machines led to increased production and increased resources which then further led to unimaginable growth of the population of the nation. Out of all the new industries, the most dominant was the textile industry. It provides the most number of workers with jobs and a better investment to Profit Ratio for the Business owner and investors. In this tutorial, we will learn what is meant by the Industrial Revolution, what the events happening during that time period and what were the consequences of this sudden massive increase in production.

What led to Industrial Revolution in Britain?

• Capitalism The emergence of industrialisation was largely dependent on capitalism. The most common form of capitalism at that time was laissez-faire. Capitalism was the main reason for the Industrial Revolution as industrialisation needed a great amount of work and financial investments from the common people and not from the sides of the government.

• European Imperialism was the other most important reason that led to the growth of industrialisation. It was not a direct reason for the Industrial growth but instead contributed to the Revolution indirectly.

• Coal Mining At the beginning of the industrial revolution coal extraction was also a major reason for industrialisation as it was the most important source of energy or fuel that was needed for the functioning of the machines. That is why Britain, which had abundant coal reserves, was the first country to industrialise.

• The Agricultural Revolution It was the last factor that contributed to the Industrial Revolution. As we discussed earlier, the 18th century marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution due to a significant rise in food production as the key outcome of the Agricultural Revolution. As such, the Agricultural Revolution is considered to have begun in the 17th century and continued throughout the centuries that followed, alongside the Industrial Revolution.

Workmen Leaving Platt's Works, Oldham 20th August 1900

See page for author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Events in Chronological Order

• The first industrial Revolution from 1760 to 1830s the Industrial Revolution was majorly contained up to Britain. As the export of machines and skilled labour was banned by Britain. But this monopoly of Britain could not exist forever. After England, the industrial revolution started in Belgium due to the introduction of machine shops by two British Men making Belgium the first economically Revolutionised Country in continental Europe. Just like Britain, the Belgian industrial revolution was also mostly dependent on resources like coal, iron and textiles.

• The second industrial Revolution despite the fact that most of the industrial sectors were majorly automated from the start to the middle of the 19th century. Still, automated machine operations became significantly Important in the late 20th century. A shift in ownership of methods of Production was also seen during that Period of time. Organisations like insurance Companies and common people started to own common stocks The 20th century marked a more diversified distribution of authority and ownership Compared to the mid 19th Century.

Consequences of the Industrial Revolution

• A wider income distribution and a rise in global trade (Globalization), were the results of major changes in the social and economic structure of the Country. Moreover, separate controlling or administrative bodies were set up to regulate and monitor the Proper functioning of a particular division.

• As the cities saw a major influx of people from villages and small towns into the cities, it made cities crowded, dirty and unsuitable to live a healthy life.

• Despite the fact that some tasks were made easier by the machines, learning to operate the machines Properly for them to function to the best of their Capacity Was a difficult task for labourers and the pay that was offered to these workers was also significantly lower which was not enough to sustain a life in the City. The working Conditions Were also very poor which Cause Various health problems. Numerous new occupations were gradually formed in the emerging urban industrial cities, including large store owners, bank tellers, insurance agents, merchants, accountants, managers, physicians, attorneys, and teachers.

• By the end of the 19th century, Britain's total national income had expanded ten times in 100 years, and purchasing power had increased. Entrepreneurial, cunning, and smart ideas have more chances when money is transferred into the hands of businesspeople. There were a lot of "rags to riches" tales as well, which motivated individuals to put in more effort.

• The obvious results of the industrialised society and the consumerism that came along with it were pollutions and environmental harm. Massive quantities of energy were needed to power the machines as they developed, and in order to power the industry, fossil fuels like coal and petroleum were consumed, which resulted in smog and air pollution. Numerous processes required the usage of chemicals which prompted the rapid growth in the Production of goods like plastics, and dyes and increased demand for medicine production too.

Conclusion

The Industrial Revolution completely transformed the way economies functioned. The power and authority which was earlier in the hands of the monarchy and a few aristocrats became more diversified. People started investing in businesses more which improved their standard of living as the profits were good. Due to increased job opportunities, more people started moving to cities and cities started getting bigger. But all these good things came at a cost, the Cities started getting dirty and Congested which led to several health problems and various other issues like accommodation and food Shortages for the labourers working in the factories were major Problems.

FAQs

Q1. What is meant by the Industrial Revolution?

Ans. It is defined as a rapid increase in machine-based production over human labour, causing a massive increase in the production of goods and an increase in per capita income.

Q2. What were the most widely used Resources During the Industrial Revolution?

Ans. Coal and iron were the most widely used resources during the Period of the Industrial Revolution.

Q3. Who invented the steam engine and when?

Ans. The steam engine was invented by Thomas Newcomen in the year 1712

Q4. When did the Industrial Revolution begin?

Ans. The 18th Century marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in England.

Q5.Who gave the term industrial revolution?

Ans. The team was coined by Georges Michelet who was French and Friedrich Engels of Germany

Q6. What was the effect of industrialisation on Farming?

Ans. The industrial revolution completely transformed the farming business. For example, use of steel plough at the location of the wooden chuckle, and for the purpose of planting seeds, a mechanical drill was created. Mechanical thrashers were employed for harvest.