Industrial Revolution and Chinese History

• The Industrial Revolution took place between 1750 and 1850, marking a significant shift in history.
• Before the Industrial Revolution, the majority of people lived on or near land that provided food, with life expectancy between 25 and 35 years.
• Education was a privilege, with most people not owning or using foreign-made goods until the Industrial Revolution.
• The Industrial Revolution led to innovations like electricity, modern medicine, transportation advancements, and improved manufacturing processes.
• Industrial advancements like the spinning jenny, steam engine, and chemical bleaching revolutionized textile production and other industries.
• The debate over the causes of the Industrial Revolution in Europe includes arguments about cultural superiority, scientific innovation, political institutions, and population size.
• By 1800, Europe, China, and India were all at a similar level of industrial production, with Europe later emerging as the dominant manufacturing power.- China had a rich history dating back to pre-Confucius times, excelling in bronze, art, and poetry, challenging the notion of European cultural superiority.
• China was economically significant before Europe, inventing paper currency, leading global exports of silk and Chinese porcelain, and having a strong population growth indicator.
• The Chinese history of inventions like gunpowder, printing, paper, and compass contradicts the belief that China lacked a culture of innovation.
• During the Song dynasty, China had more initiative freedom than anywhere else in the world.
• Despite China's attempts to monopolize resources like salt and minerals, their history was filled with failures, making them potentially suitable for an industrial revolution.
• The Industrial Revolution in Britain was propelled by two main advantages: abundant coal reserves for energy and relatively high wages compared to other countries.
• The high wages in Britain, combined with cheap energy sources, incentivized companies to innovate technologies that replaced capital and coal with labor, driving the Industrial Revolution.

Explore the significant shifts in history brought about by the Industrial Revolution, including innovations like electricity, modern medicine, and improved manufacturing processes. Learn about China's rich history of inventions, economic significance, and initiatives to monopolize resources. Discover the factors that drove the Industrial Revolution in Britain.