Industrial Revolution Flashcards

Lifestyle Changes in Britain

• The rural way of life began to decline with the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
• People shifted from agricultural work to urban industrial jobs, changing familial and social dynamics.

Importance of the Steam Engine

• The steam engine emerged as a crucial power source, driving machinery and improving production efficiency.
• It facilitated advancements in transportation, including railways and steamships, further fueling industrial growth.

Contributing Factors to the Industrial Revolution

• Population growth provided a larger labor force for factories.
• Abundance of natural resources, such as coal and iron, supplied necessary materials for industry.

Textile Industry Innovations

• The flying shuttle enhanced weaving speed and efficiency.
• The spinning Jenny allowed for multiple spools of thread to be spun simultaneously, increasing textile production.

Causes of Rapid Urbanization

• Changes in farming methods reduced the need for agricultural labor, pushing people towards cities.
• A soaring population created a demand for industrial workers, leading to mass migration to urban areas.

Factory System Transformations

• The factory system standardized work processes regardless of seasonal changes, resulting in more consistent production output.
• Jobs became more specialized and segmented, impacting traditional work structures.

Support for Laissez-Faire Economics

• Middle-class business leaders endorsed laissez-faire principles believing a free market would benefit broader society, not only the wealthy.
• The hope was that unrestricted business practices would lead to economic growth and improvement in living standards.

Utilitarian Approach to Laissez-Faire

• Utilitarians advocated for some level of government regulation to address inequalities and protect workers' rights.
• Their goal was to balance free market advantages with social welfare concerns through moderate intervention.