Causes of the Industrial Revolution

Causes of the Industrial Revolution

• Surge in global trade and rising population contributed to dramatic economic changes.
• Increased availability of capital through venture capitalists facilitated new business ventures.
• Abundant natural resources in Great Britain, particularly coal and iron, fueled industrial growth.
• Higher consumer demand, especially for cotton and pottery, drove innovation and production.

Changes in the Textile Industry

• Demand for clothing surged due to population growth in Britain, driving advancements in textile manufacturing.
• Early textile production relied heavily on manual labor and hand looms, indicating a labor-intensive process.

Industrial Revolution Power Sources

• A significant shift occurred in manufacturing and production methods starting in the mid-1700s, marked by machine use.
• Primary energy sources included electricity, water, and steam, transforming industrial capabilities.

Origins of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain

• Great Britain possessed essential resources, skilled labor, and agricultural advancements.
• The combination of resources and a favorable economic environment set the stage for industrial advancements.

Coal Uses

• Coal emerged as a crucial energy source, powering steam engines and factories during the industrial boom.

Cottage Industries

• Small-scale industries such as weaving, sewing, and carving operated from homes, often relying on independent workers.
• These industries allowed laborers, often women, to maintain flexibility and independence.

Mass Production

• Refers to producing goods in large quantities with efficiency, reducing costs and labor time.
• Improvements in machinery facilitated easier and quicker production processes.

Interchangeable Parts

• Concept of using identical components in manufacturing, revolutionizing assembly and repair processes.

Capitalism

• Economic system centered on private property and free enterprise, motivating innovation and investment.

Socialism

• Economic system where society, usually through the government, controls production and distribution of goods.

Economic Basis

• Relationships and dynamics among people who drive economic activities and production.

Factory System

• Production model that centralized labor and machinery in one location, enhancing efficiency and output.

Enclosure Movement

• Refers to consolidating small farms into larger estates in 18th-century England, altering agricultural practices and land use.

Trade Union

• Organizations formed by workers to advocate for higher wages and improved working conditions.

Strikes

• Collective actions by workers refusing to work until certain demands regarding conditions are met.

Corporations

• Large business entities owned by multiple investors, pooling resources for expanded operations and growth.

James Watt

• Scottish engineer instrumental in improving the steam engine, enhancing its efficiency and performance.

Thomas Edison

• Renowned American inventor, famous for creating the electric light bulb and pioneering developments in sound recording and motion pictures.