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Questions and Answers
What was Britain's leading status in the 19th century?
What was a major impact of industrialization on British society?
What was a major debate in Britain during the 19th century?
What was a result of industrialization in Britain's economy?
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How did Britain's population change during the 19th century?
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What time period saw the radical transformation of Britain's economy?
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What was the main reason for the population growth in Britain between 1750 and 1850?
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What was the percentage of the British population living in urban areas in 1801?
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What was the term popularized by Arnold Toynbee to describe the process of change from an agrarian economy to one dominated by industry?
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What was the primary material that fueled the Industrial Revolution in Britain?
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Who invented the spinning Jenny, a machine that revolutionized the textile industry?
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What was the region in England where the textile industry was primarily concentrated?
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Study Notes
Britain as "The Workshop of the World"
- Britain was the first country to undergo an industrial revolution and earned the title "workshop of the world" due to its leading status in industrial production and international trade.
Population Growth and Urbanization
- Between 1750 and 1850, Britain's population more than doubled from 6 million to 21 million, and later reached 37 million in 1901.
- This demographic explosion was caused by a decline in the death rate due to:
- Development of medical knowledge
- Decline in infant mortality
- Improvement of nutrition
- This rapid growth led to fears of food shortages, influenced by Malthusianism (Thomas Malthus).
The Expansion of Industrial Cities
- In 1801, only 34% of Britain's population lived in urban areas, but by 1901, this number had risen to 78%.
- In 1901, five British cities (London, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Glasgow) were among the most populated in the world.
Industrialization and the Transformation of the Economy
- Industrialization transformed Britain's economy from an agrarian and handicraft-based economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing.
- Britain was the cradle of the industrial revolution, which was fueled by:
- Increased use of new basic materials (iron, steel, and coal)
- Invention of new machines, such as:
- James Hargreaves' spinning Jenny
- Cartwright's power loom
- James Watt's steam engine
- These inventions revolutionized the textile industry, allowing it to grow and expand, particularly in the north of England (Lancashire and Yorkshire).
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Description
Test your knowledge of Britain's transformation into the 'workshop of the world' during the 19th century. This quiz covers industrialization, economic growth, and the social and political reforms that shaped the country. From electoral reform to mass democracy, and from craft unions to the Labour Party, see how well you understand this pivotal period in British history.
