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Industrial Revolution Causes and Effects

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14 views

Industrial Revolution Causes and Effects

1

Uploaded by

Alia Lauder
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

MISS B. WRIGHT
IMPACT OF INVENTIONS ON THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

◼ Many of the first innovations that enabled the Industrial Revolution began in the textile industry. Making cloth
moved from homes to large factories with the invention of the Spinning Jenny, Flying Shuttle and Power Loom.
New forms of power such as steam and water replaced human strength and animals. The creation of the Steam
Engine not only sped up the production process, it also helped with the discoveries of other inventions; for e.g.
steam power was successfully harnessed to move machineries, locomotives and boats. In addition it made the
development of railways possible. Britain also had plenty of coal and iron which was important to both power and
make machines for the factories.
◼ Starting in the mid- 18th century, innovations like the flying shuttle, the spinning jenny, the water frame and the
power loom made weaving cloth and spinning yarn and thread much easier. Producing cloth became faster and
required less time and far less human labor.
◼ More efficient, mechanized production meant Britain’s new textile factories could meet the growing demand for
cloth both at home and abroad, where the nation’s many overseas colonies provided a captive market for its
goods. In addition to textiles, the British iron industry also adopted new innovations.
◼ Chief among the new techniques was the smelting of iron ore with coke 9a material made by heating coal)
instead of the traditional charcoal. This method was both cheaper and produced higher- quality material, enabling
Britain’s iron and steel production to expand.
CAUSES OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Several factors contributed to the rise of industrialization in Britain. These include:


◼ Availability of capital: Britain got capital from her colonies, e.g. the Caribbean Islands, through trading and
agricultural enterprise e.g. cotton. The profits from these ventures were invested in financial institutions such as
central banks to finance the construction of new factories.
◼ An available market which could be found within the British Empire.
◼ The availability of natural resources: Britain had a vast supply of mineral resources such as coal and iron/ore
used to fuel machines and cotton from the colonies.
◼ The availability of labour stemming from increased migration of people from the country
◼ Britain’s government passed laws that protected private property and placed few restrictions on private business
owners. These policies encouraged the expression of ideas.
◼ Land reforms in Britain which made land more accessible
◼ The location and size of the country made trade and transport easier, quicker and more affordable since it is
an island. Furthermore, British merchant marines could transport goods to foreign markets.
EFFECTS OF THE REVOLUTION

The Industrial Revolution in Britain affected British society in several ways. These effects can be categorized as
positive and negative effects.
The Industrial Revolution had many positive effects. Increase in wealth, the production of goods, and the standard of
living. People had access to healthier diets, better housing, and cheaper goods. In addition, education increased during
the Industrial Revolution.
Positive effects
◼ Urbanization
◼ Development of technology (inventions)
◼ Creation of jobs
◼ Development of a new middle class in the society
◼ More time for travel and leisure.
Although there are several positives to the Industrial Revolution there were also many negative elements, including:
poor working conditions, poor living conditions, low wages, child labor and pollution.
Negative effects
◼ Child labour
◼ Low wages
◼ Long working hours
◼ Pollution
◼ Deplorable working conditions (bad)

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