Agricultural Revolution in Britain

• Before the Industrial Revolution, Britain was mainly an agricultural society with global trade links, especially with India, leading to increased wealth and a stable economy.

Agriculture Before the Revolution

• Farming relied on traditional open-field and subsistence methods, producing just enough food for basic needs.
• The open-field system involved three large fields for crop rotation, with two fields planted and one left fallow.
• Villagers received strips of land in each field to ensure equal access to quality land.

Agriculture After the Revolution

• The Industrial Revolution brought enclosures and new techniques to agriculture.
• Enclosures converted large open fields into smaller, privately owned farms, leased to the public.
• Farmers unable to afford land had to work for wages or seek jobs in towns.
• The seed drill, invented by Jethro Tull, allowed efficient seed planting in rows, increasing yields.
• The Rotherham triangular plough, patented by Joseph Foljambe, was lighter and more efficient, requiring fewer animals and workers.
• Selective breeding enhanced livestock characteristics, such as wool production.

Commerce and Trade

• Trade was vital for Britain's economic growth due to its island status.
• Britain possessed the world's largest and strongest navy.
• Merchants formed the first middle class, gaining political and economic influence.
• They promoted overseas trade and exploration to obtain more resources.
• More ships increased trade and wealth, shaping new work structures in shipyards.
• Shipyards attracted workers, leading to urbanization around coastal towns and necessitating town planning.
• Pre-industrial wealth was reinvested, with Jonathan's coffee house becoming a stock market venue.
• The East India Company expanded global influence.
• Plantations produced tobacco and cotton, while slavery provided cheaper resources.
• Increased wealth led to more investment.

Importance of Mining

• Coal was vital for manufacturing and household use.
• Increased population and ship manufacturing amplified the demand for coal.
• Coal became the primary energy source during the Industrial Revolution, replacing wood.
• Steam power relied on coal for mining and factory operations.
• Coal facilitated transportation and the development of railways and ships.
• It was crucial for iron and steel production.
• Urbanization around coal mines expanded the labor pool.
• Mining towns grew, supporting industries and services.

Other Causes of the Industrial Revolution

• Technological innovation included advancements in machinery and production methods.
• Access to capital enabled investments in new technologies and infrastructure.
• Colonial expansion provided raw materials and markets.
• Legal reforms supported entrepreneurship and investment.
• Scientific advances laid the groundwork for industrial innovations.
• Changing social attitudes encouraged economic opportunities.
• The emergence of a disposable income middle class created new markets.

Cottage Industries

• Pre-revolution manufacturing took place in homes, known as cottage industries.
• People slowly produced goods by hand with local raw materials.
• Women spun and wove wool into cloth and clothing.
• Traders occasionally visited villages to exchange goods.

Industrial Revolution Overview

• The Industrial Revolution (1750-1850) marked a shift from agriculture to industry.
• Britain relied on colonies for raw materials.
• Factories were built near rivers and ports.
• New inventions improved production processes.
• John Newcomen created the steam engine, improved by James Watt.
• Iron production increased.
• The Industrial Revolution changed British society, enhancing the middle class's power, and workers had opportunities to improve their social positions.

Changing Living Conditions

• Cities had little accommodation with families living in single rooms.
• Lack of running water and shared outdoor toilets led to unsanitary conditions.
• Overcrowded slums developed, along with pollution and disease.
• In 1832, diseases claimed over 31,000 lives.
• Laws in 1848 aimed to improve sanitation and living conditions.
• Workhouses housed the poor, requiring labor in exchange for sustenance.

Mines and Factories

• In the 1830s, 30,000 children worked in cotton mills due to cheap labor.
• Poor working conditions included long hours, no windows, and lack of safety regulations.

Impact of Machines: Pros

• Goods became more affordable and accessible due to faster and cheaper factory production.
• Increased supply led to wealth and trade opportunities.

Impact of Machines: Cons

• Cities became overcrowded with rising pollution and poor conditions.
• Labor-saving devices replaced physical activity, affecting health.