Transformation of Economy and Society of Britain in Years 1780-1914

Transformation of Economy and Society of Britain in Years 1780-1914

In the period of 1850-1914 Britain was irrevocably set on the path to

full industrialisation[1]. However, it is questionable the extent that

the Industrial Revolution transformed the economic and society of

Britain. On the surface, the emergence of the middle class and decline

of monarchy power seemed to be a clear indicator upon the change that

was a consequence of the revolution. Sources 1 to 6 have differing

opinion upon the extent of change and its resulting conflict.

Source 1 is an example of a source that supports the view that the

economic and society of Britain was transformed. It clearly states the

acclamation of a foreigner, a Swede. Phrases such as, "extended

extraordinary," "housed with outward magnificence" further emphasise

his adulation. However, the fact that he is foreign introduces bias,

as he would see the transformation in Britain in a different light,

as, at 1802, Britain was undoubtedly the most industrialised country

in Europe, thus would appear magnificent compared to his Swedish

homeland. Furthermore, Svedenstierna was an official of Jernkonter the

central organisation of the Swedish Iron masters Organisation, whose

travel mission to England was to study the process and equipment used

in factories, thus he would be astonished to study and learn how

advanced the industrial system in Britain was. It could also be argued

that Svedenstierna only wrote about Manchester in the excerpt. He may

have had a very different view of other cities, or it could be the

case that Manchester was not representative of England at the time.

Furthermore, the sourc...

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...een

described as a conflict, thus makes it increasingly difficult to judge

upon what extent do the sources support the view. Nevertheless,

despite of all of the flaws contained in each source, each source is

valuable to a historian studying the impact of industrial revolution

upon the society.

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[1] We can classify the industrial revolution as a dramatic change in

industrial and agricultural processes and ultimately the changes in

population structures, by altering the way of life and society of the

time.

[2] by 26%, from 1801 to 1914

[3] by 21%, from 1801 to 1881

[4] to 50% in 1914

[5] by 7% from 1881 to 1941

[6] This is displayed in this excerpt, by the fact that he draws upon

different opinions of different historians