Industrial Revolution Essay
explanatory Essay
2157 words
The Anthropocene marks a point in time where human activities were able to greatly alter the environment, some historians believe that it marked the point in time where the industrial revolution began (1700CE to 1900CE). The Industrial revolution essentially was mankind’s breakthrough into modernity, the rapid advancements in technology and the utilisation of fossil fuels gave man a seemingly infinite supply of energy that could be used to transform manual processes into automated ones which was a massive game changer for the manufacturing, communications and transportation industries.(1) Historians have often been perplexed by the fact that the industrial revolution began in Great Britain and quickly spread throughout Europe, but did not develop in any other regions around the world, which is odd because we have seen such equally important advancements in fields like agriculture which developed in various places around the world independently because it was an important new source of energy that was needed to sustain larger communities. (2) This paper will focus on the circumstances of Great Britain how the revolution spread throughout Europe and why the revolution didn’t occur in the relatively advanced country of China. Great Britain before the Industrial Revolution Prior to the Industrial Revolution Great Britain was a relatively advanced country with a small population compared to China, workers had relatively high living standards when compared to Asian workers.(3) Britains economy before the revolution was strong, business restrictions were virtually nonexistent with most companies being free enterprises and the government often backed local business through the funding of projects. (3) The strong economy of Britain and th... ... middle of paper ... ...erimental science, instead they relied on experience for their advancements. The Chinese did not have a scientific revolution because the governing body did not encourage intellectuals to invest the manpower and resources needed for scientific research.(8) Ultimately the reason why the Industrial Revolution occurred in Britain was circumstantial it merely had the right conditions at play at the right time, the relatively relaxed government, trade routes and investment in education is what ultimately made Britain very successful and the home of industrialization. Unfortunately for the Chinese who were great innovators for their time could not adapt quickly and didn’t have the conditions needed for such a revolution. The large population size and lack of education where the main contributing factors that killed any chance of a scientific and industrial revolution.
In this essay, the author
- Outlines some factors that prevented china's explosion of technological advancement. historians have a host of ideas as to why revolution never occurred in china.
- Explains that coal is an easily identifiable material that is abundant in china. the major coal seams were located in northern china and were not utilised because 75% of the chinese population and business had moved from the north to the south.
- Explains that the industrial revolution was all about exploiting new energy sources that could further be exploited in such a way that it would replace some workers. the chinese didn't have this problem, in fact their surplus of workers would have prevented industrialization.
- Explains that the relatively poor people of china had a considerably lower standard of living, the workers weren't paid nearly as much as their british counterparts because there was no shortage of labour.
- Explains that the chinese heavily relied on rice and the europeans heavily on wheat crops, which needed ploughing and turning millstones to break the wheat up. the chinese did not heavily rely on farm animals as the primary forms of sustenance.
- Explains that the proximity of britain to europe meant immigrants could readily travel, the mix of people allowed them to collaborate and design new technologies. lack of collaboration and absence of scientific communities in china would have severely impeded their ability to become an industrious nation.
- Explains that the anthropocene marks a point in time where human activities were able to greatly alter the environment. the industrial revolution was mankind's breakthrough into modernity.
- Explains that britain's economy before the industrial revolution was strong, business restrictions were virtually nonexistent and the government often backed local business through funding of projects.
- Explains that before the industrial revolution, britain was running out of timber forests to burn and use as a source of energy.
- Explains that the first machine which utilized steam power and converted it to mechanical energy was created by thomas newcomen and was called the atmospheric engine.
- Explains that the relative proximity to france and other neighboring european countries meant it was easy for technological advancements to spread, resulting in a continent sprawling with industrial societies.
- Explains that china's contribution to science and technology was remarkable, despite the industrial revolution never originating in china.
- Argues that a revolution requires an "ingredients" for it to occur, which the british and the chinese did not.
- Opines that the industrial revolution occurred in britain because of the right conditions at play, the relatively relaxed government, trade routes, and investment in education.
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
- The Industrial Revolution of Englandanalytical essayThere were many factors that caused the Industrial Revolution to occur specifically in England. England had large quantities of coal and iron ore beneath the ground, which was a very inexpensive source of energy compared to the previous use of wood. As population grew, wood became increasingly more expensive to use as fuel because it took longer to go out and retrieve and it was becoming scarce. Another reason that aided in the industrialization of England was the political strength that England had. It’s previous accomplishments in colonization allowed for a larger supply of raw material and more locations to sell manufactured goods. England also had the upper hand economically with its central bank and successful credit markets. This provided financial stability, allowing people to take greater entrepreneurial risks.
In this essay, the author
- Describes how the french revolution paved the way for more freedom and equality among all citizens in the late 18th century.
- Explains the factors that caused the industrial revolution to occur specifically in england.
- Explains that the agricultural revolution, which began around 1650 in holland and gradually spread throughout europe, brought many changes to farming.
- Explains how jethro tull, a lawyer who took over his father's farm, implemented many of the agricultural techniques he had encountered on his travels throughout europe.
- Explains that tull's innovative developments in farming gradually created more crops in a shorter period, increasing the quantities of food available to the people.
- Explains that the industrial revolution was marked by the change from hand tools to powered machines. before 1800, there was the cottage industry, which consisted of rural workers who made products in their home.
- Explains how hargreaves invented the spinning jenny and arkwright's water frame, which needed water to power the machine. watt developed a more efficient steam engine and patented it in 1769.
- Describes the technological advances that kept england above the rest throughout europe, such as the steamboat, the electric telegraph system, and the stock exchange.
- Analyzes how the industrial revolution kept britain at the forefront of europe but not without some social consequences.
- Explains that although factories brought more employment opportunities to england, the conditions in the mills were deplorable. robert owen (1771-1858) was a manufacturer in scotland who felt that working conditions were inhumane, especially for children.
- Opines that the industrial revolution in england helped to spark a different way of life that would never be the same throughout the world.
- Cites history.com staff, "french revolution," a+e networks, 2009, p. 614, and john p. mckay's "the revolution in energy and industry."
- Analyzes john p. mckay's "the expansion of europe," understanding western society: a brief history, boston: bedford/st. martin, 2011, pp. 522-524.
- Cites john p. mckay's "the revolution in energy and industry," understanding western society: a brief history, boston: bedford/st. martin, 2011.
- Cites the encyclopedia of world biography of james watt, and history.com staff's "industrial revolution."
- Cites john cannon, "cartwright, edmund," the oxford companion to british history, 2002, encyclopedia.com, and history.
- Cites friedrich engels' "the condition of the working class in england" and joseph a. montagna's article, 'the industrial revolution'.
1659 wordsRead More - Great Britain And The Industrial Revolutionexplanatory essayWhat led Great Britain to become the first country to star in the Industrial Revolution, comes down to a complex system of factors, each aspect holds a major role in the contribution in the growth in the Industrial Revolution and of Great Britain. While much is known about the happenings of the Industrial Revolution itself, less is acknowledged about the events that were direct causes of the period. Histories and economist have pointed towards several key factors, each working together like well-oiled machine. First, beginning with the Agricultural Revolution which would increase the production of crops as well and decreasing prices. More food meant more trade. Trade then leads to larger desire for goods and with the need of goods arose new technology. Technology increased the production and efficiency of all factories. With the creation of factories, workers were required to help produce and run machines. The prospect of new work drove people into cities and towns. The Industrial Revolution was a cycle that feed itself, with need came technology and with technology came need and through this process arose advanced society which Great Britain led the world forward.
In this essay, the author
- Explains the complex system of factors that led to great britain becoming the first country to star in the industrial revolution.
- Explains that preindustrial europe relied on farming as a means of work, and that the enclose movement was the first step leading to the industrial revolution.
- Explains that english farmers and inventors introduce new methods such as rotational crop farming for fields, and the spinning jenny by james hargreaves in 1764.
- Explains that the success of the agricultural revolution guaranteed that britain could support a growing pollution.
- Explains that before the industrial revolution, people created their own goods within the home. the cottage industry process was slow and costly. innovations were needed to keep up with trade and domestic needs.
- Explains how the steam engine impacted the transportation industry, manufacturing, and processing. the first steam locomotive was built by richard trevithick.
1232 wordsRead More - Industry, Ideology, and their Global Impact, 1700-analytical essayThe rationales for the origins of the Industrial Revolution taking place in Britain and finding its initial and utmost signs in Western Europe and North America are generally credited to the political and economic systems that were present in those areas. Whilst the notion of democratic regime had not yet completely taken root, the levels of economic and intellectual independence that ruled all over those regions certainly played a critical part in helping the technological modernization that took place and the consequent integration of that modernization into their respective economic spheres. As one historian of that era stated,
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the industrial revolution started in britain, and broadened rapidly to western europe and north america. the mid-18th century ad was an era of big industrial modernization with economic and social consequences for the whole world.
- Explains that the political and economic systems that ruled over western europe and north america played a critical role in helping the technological modernization that took place.
- Opines that the political and moral advantages of britain as a seat of manufacture are not less remarkable than its physical advantages. under the reign of just laws, personal liberty and property have been secure.
- Argues that the correlation between technological modernization and economic development and political system should not be underrated.
- Explains that the scientific modernization that took place in britain, germany, and the newly-rising usa was a consequence of the educational systems and economic independence benefitted by the populations of those civilizations.
- Explains that the russians created more high-quality theoretical scientists than any other country in the world during the cold war. the political and economic system that typified the ex-ussr was ill-suited to adjust technical theory to reality.
- Explains that the industrial revolution was revolutionary since it modified -- revolutionized -- the industrious capability of britain, europe and the usa.
- Argues that the scientific revolution was the first area to gain from the professionalization of the field, from its growing specialization, variety of methods, and real-time expansion of scale and reduction of focus motivated by sociologists.
- Explains that butterfield was among the first to express a fundamental problem in relating science and western civilization, but he wasn't the only one to lay emphasis on the basically intellectual aspect of science.
- Opines that it would be wrong to conclude that motivation in the social, institutional, or religious frameworks of the scientific revolution is new.
- Analyzes how a lifelong field of interest amongst historians of science concentrates on the roots, growth, composition, and function of scholarly societies. middleton's the experimenters displays the informal structure and personal relationship of an important though transitory italian group.
- Analyzes how robert k. merton's study, science, technology and society in seventeenth century england, is fundamental to the historiography of the social supports of this era.
1152 wordsRead More - Great Britain and the Industrial Revolutionexplanatory essayThe Industrial Revolution of the 18th century changed Europe forever. At the front of this change was Great Britain, which used some natural advantages and tremendous thinking and innovation to become the leader of the Industrial Revolution.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that great britain was the leader of the 18th century industrial revolution. it had natural advantages and was free of trade tariffs that hampered industry.
- Explains that britain's factory system replaced domestic handicraft as the main means of production, and technological advances were made to improve them.
- Explains that mass production made expensive items less expensive and easily affordable by lower class and less wealthy people, which improved the quality of life and spurred advancement. watt's improvement of the steam engine led to increased demand for iron and coal.
- Explains that the textile industry pioneered the industrial revolution and its innovators encouraged others to continue the technological advancements that made britain's economy flourish.
- Explains that innovation needed entrepreneurs to use capital to put the inventions to work. britain was blessed with an overwhelming amount of risk taking capitalists who believed in expansion and opportunity.
- Explains that the combination of natural, societal, political, and economic advantages that gave great britain its identity are what gave it power.
819 wordsRead More - The English Industrial Revolution (1760-1830) was characterized by the new technologies and the prosperity of textile industry and coal mining industry. In short, new production methods and high productivity reduced the amount of human forces needed in agriculture but also created a huge demand of labor for sectors that began to develop. Consequently, a lot of peasants, workers and artisans were obliged to move to industrial regions, and changed then completely the life style.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that happiness and living standards are complicated to measure because british society was experimenting multiple transformations and some effects of the revolution had set off with others.
- Explains that the english industrial revolution (1760-1830) was characterized by new technologies and prosperity of textile industry and coal mining industry. new production methods and high productivity reduced the amount of human forces needed in agriculture but also created a huge demand of labor for sectors that began to develop.
- Explains that the goods were produced by families, while women took care of the family while men were the main labor forces. peasants worked for aristocracy and had to pay taxes.
- Explains that the agricultural revolution discarded peasants from land, while the introduction of machine in manufacture posed threat to artisans by increasing efficiency and lowering the price of good. rapid production pace, noises, pollution, long working time, lack of protection, strait supervision, and low income return relative to their contribution made the work exhausting.
- Explains that women and children, being undervalued, got paid much lower than adult man (20%-50% of men’s wage). both groups were the main labor forces for some factories that wanted to minimize the cost.
- Explains that different groups and industries showed an increasing revenue during the industrial revolution. matthews' "british economic growth" displayed a workers' average annual real wage increase of 0.8% during 1780-1851.
- Explains that workers lived in basements and tenements that were constructed touching each other. these spaces were small, crowded and poorly ventilated; life necessities were frequently not complete.
- Explains that cholera and tuberculosis raged within workers’ neighborhood, while crimes, domestic violence, and alcoholism were frequent due to poverty, physiological stress pressure and monotone form of entertainment.
- Explains that before the mid-19th century, workers were the cheapest productive factor since their skills had fallen behind of technological changes. the government was still dominated by the nobility.
- Explains that the british bourgeoisie, powered by commercial development, demanded political dominance in the 1820s and 30s. they decided to fight for workers' suffrage.
- Explains that the working class submitted three petitions to parliament during the chartist movement. the first was the people's charter (1836) that stressed parliamentary democracy, the second covered political, economic and social requirements, and the third declared labor as the source of all wealth.
- Analyzes how the british government stepped up repressive measures and carried out mass arrests in 1848, and bourgeoisie launched a counterattack.
- Explains that chartist movement failed but played an important reference for the afterward workers' movement, and to the theory of scientific socialism of marx and engels.
- Explains that mortality began to decline due to industrial revolution, industrialization, transportation, social reform, control of temperature and humidity of workspace, public health, and improving personal hygiene.
- Explains that medical technology advances and increased health care services had the most straightforward influence. many infectious diseases, especially fatal diseases' incidence declined in the 18th century.
- Explains that decrease of mortality reduced birth rates, since people don't have to give birth to many children in order to increase the amount of survivors. urbanization changed people's conception, the prohibition of child labor, a betterment of social status of women, and the convenience of birth control contributed to the decline in the birth rate.
- Explains that after the industrial revolution, a man's knowledge and technical ability are valued. people have confidence that science and technology could change absolutely the life style.
- Opines that the working class suffered a serious injury in the process of industrialization. the industrial revolution caused this injury.
- Argues that the rise of class consciousness and a strong labor movement in the 18th century can be used to support this view.
- Explains that the industrial revolution brought steady supply of food, a greater variety of cheaper goods, health and medical advances, the spread of education and the richer everyday activities after the urbanization, but the proletariat was the last to be beneficiated.
- Analyzes how the industrial revolution highlighted the importance of the working class by bringing huge changes in economic structure and tremendous growth.
- Opines that the tragic experience of english workers can be attributed to that people had not yet detached from the old concept (feudalism). industrialization has broken the original balance and stimulated the working people to really have the ability to protect themselves.
1793 wordsRead More - Industrial Revolution Essayanalytical essayThus, Great Britain, the first of the world countries endured industrial revolution, to the middle of 19 century turns into the most powerful power possessing the biggest colonial empire which allowed to provide own industry with necessary and cheapest raw materials, and also an extensive sales market of finished products.Orientation of the major branches of production, and in particular textile, on the colonial market will have an adverse effect subsequently on economic development of Great Britain. After Great Britain the way of fast development of large-scale industry was taken by France.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that great britain, the first of the world countries endured industrial revolution, to the middle of 19 century turns into the most powerful power possessing the biggest colonial empire which allowed to provide own industry with necessary raw materials and an extensive sales market of finished products.
- Explains that the industrial revolution began in france at the end of the xviii century, and developed faster than in england.
- Analyzes how the french bourgeoisie, during the first period of revolution, wasn't able to eliminate a feudal system and to resolve an agrarian issue.
- Explains that the economic policy of revolution aimed at providing freedom of industrial business and trade was active.
- Explains that napoleonic army's military victories, accompanied by robbery and capture of new territories, promoted inflow to france of huge sums of money in the form of contribution and distribution of french goods.
- Explains how napoleon i and his generals hurried to use the victory in interests of the french trade export.
- Explains that napoleon i sent a letter to the ministers specifying that it is necessary to fill immediately the vienna shops with french industry products to paris, having used decrease in customs duties.
- Explains that the napoleonic period created considerable difficulties for normal development of the french industry, which industrialization was impossible without radical re-equipment.
- Opines that france's industrial revolution progressed much slower than that of england. the continental blockade by napoleon had serious economic consequences for the french industry.
- Analyzes how the degradation of partsellyarny economy became the characteristic phenomenon of agrarian economy of france.
- Explains that the conditions of life of small peasants and agricultural workers induced them to go to the city, to emigrate to algeria, america, and the countries of europe.
- Explains that germany could take advantage of the late industrial revolution by utilizing processing equipment from more developed countries. change of structure of production allowed germany to lead positions on many industrial indicators.
- Explains that in germany, revolution began with light industry, but in the years of revolution developed mainly the heavy industry. reform on release of peasants provided strong positions of landowners cadets in new bourgeois society.
- Explains that meiji's revolution created conditions for capitalist manufacturing in japan. during the industrial revolution, japanese businessmen made use of technical experience of the west european countries.
928 wordsRead More - The Characteristics Of The Industrial Revolutionanalytical essay(Merriam- Webster) This explanation over simplifies the industrial revolution. In reality the Industrial Revolution was much more complex event in world history, it also encompassed many different characteristics. With that said, the events that led to the Industrial Revolution were even more complicated never the less it was undoubtedly the most prolific advancement in human history. The British took advantage the natural, economic and political resources that were given and transformed their country into a powerhouse of production and innovation. Through the cultivation of new farming technology and methods they were able to feed millions and produce healthier foods. With trade the British dominated the overseas commerce and maritime. English politics and investment created the perfect breeding ground for modernizations and inventions. Factories brought the rise of urbanization to small towns and cities, turning them into metropolises. If one of these factors deviated from its course, then the Industrial revolution may have not happened the way it did. It may have been luck or careful timing and planning, but the fact remains that Britain Industrial Revolution brought about everything we have
In this essay, the author
- Explains how the creation railroad system connected all the important parts towns and cities of britain. due to the revolution in agriculture many had lost their work, so they turned to cities.
- Explains that trade was an integral aspect of the industrial revolution. the ability to exchange goods with other countries boosted economic activity and innovation.
- Analyzes how edward brianes wrote the history of the cotton manufacture in great britain. iron and coal were essential to the production of goods and power.
- Explains how the british government imposed overseas trade tariff law on imported goods to undermine other countries. the extra income from taxation was spent on increasing the naval and military size and strength.
- Explains that the system of credit that we use today was just as important during the industrial revolution. credit allowed entrepreneurs to start businesses, invest in creating factories and or in any type of business they sought fit.
- Explains how british society encouraged innovation through private and governmental funding, education and policies. the free market for innovation led to the steam engine and spinning jenny.
- Explains that the industrial revolution was a complex event in world history and encompassed many different characteristics. the british took advantage of natural, economic, and political resources and transformed their country into an innovation powerhouse.
1260 wordsRead More - What Are The Causes Of The Industrial Revolutionexplanatory essayIn 1750 the Industrial revolution also known as the technology also known as industrial revolution started and Great Britain and eventually spread throughout the world. The industrial revolution consequently began as a result of Great Britain’s wealth, research, population, education and access to trade.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the industrial revolution began in 1750 and spread throughout the world. it was a result of great britain's wealth, research, population, education, and access to trade.
- Explains that the industrial revolution resulted in an increase of orphans being forced to work in house.
- Explains that the industrial revolution had factories that were polluting, increasing poor work conditions and the risk of harming nature as we know it.
- Explains that during the industrial revolution, living conditions were poor, and pollution ties into pollution.
- Explains that the industrial revolution increased life expectancy and wages in great britain. health laws were passed for this to happen.
526 wordsRead More - The British Industrial Revolutionexplanatory essayNot to be overlooked in prevalence is that England held a complete monopoly on the textile industry. They imported a lot of cotton to make goods, but few countries could produce cloths fast enough for their own people, much less the world. As the technology advanced in England the complete control of the markets grew. Even the government at the time put restrictions on the exports of machines and skills as to not let anyone rise to a position to compete with their control economically. The industrial revolution was the first time in history where a competition between nations didn't have anything to do with war, but was solely economical. The industrial revolution was not serenely beneficial to all people. The working class of England suffered dearly for the prosperous shift in the economy.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the industrial revolution in england was attributed to the close proximity of factories, markets, ports, and cities to one another.
- Explains that england had a stable economy and government, something that the rest of the world was lacking at this point in history.
- Opines that the industrial revolution was the first time in history where a competition between nations didn't have anything to do with war, but was solely economical.
- Explains that the conditions of the working class for the revolution were not even in the least bit considered humane.
- Opines that the textile factories were the lesser of many evils. mine tunnels collapsed, methane gas exploded, and noxious chemicals were common.
- Explains that in the second half of the 1800's measures were finally put in place to regulate working conditions. they cut back the working day for women and children, excluded women from the drudgery of mines and made the minimum age for men 10 years old.
467 wordsRead More - The Industrial Revolutionanalytical essayThe Industrial Revolution in Britain’s history is marked as the period of great development that led to the modern era of growth, improved living standards and technology. Moreover, this revolution was not just limited to Britain; it affected the rest of Europe and America in the same positive manner. Due to the Industrial Revolution’s success in many countries, it is now commonly cited as the surest way for a country to develop. In economics, goals of a developed country are high production of goods, high Gross Domestic Product (GDP), low unemployment and sustained growth; during an Industrial Revolution all these are achieved. However, despite the main goal of IR to improve living standards for the population, the actual success when weighed against the social cost is debatable. It is accepted that IR improved the living standards of many; it created a new class, which Marx called the “bourgeoisie”, who had control over wealth, decisions and helped improve the lives of many others. However, many historians view this new class as “rapacious landlords and conscienceless capitalist[s]” [9] who exploited the working class for their own benefit. For a majority of “the working class… ‘Industrial Revolution’ … must have appeared… as a gigantic and cruel experiment, which, insofar as it was affecting their house, their health, their subsistence and their pleasure, was proving a calamitous failure” [9]. Therefore, this group will be examined to determine more general effects of IR on the society.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the industrial revolution in britain's history is marked as the period of great development that led to the modern era of growth, improved living standards, and technology.
- Explains that ir greatly improved the life of an average worker. the cost of the individual product was high compared to that of mass-produced goods.
- Explains that the industrial revolution introduced new technologies and processes that created a system by which all workers benefited.
- Explains that all economic measures signify that the industrial revolution improved the life of the general public in a society. however, these indicators only take the monetary side of life into account and favour quantity over quality.
- Analyzes how the industrial revolution changed the way the working class operated and replaced it with an almost opposite structure. it created conflict between the proletariats and the bourgeoisies.
- Explains that the era before the industrial revolution was characterized by small business owners where the workers were highly valued.
- Analyzes how the industrial revolution affected workers' health, as they were forced to stand during their work, despite being a weaver, due to the conditions controlled by their employer.
1535 wordsRead More