Industrial Revolution in Britain: Early Stages

The economic system in Britain during the Industrial Revolution, emphasizing the accumulation of wealth through trade and government control over industry.

A process of technological and industrial growth that began in Britain in the late 18th century, marked by the use of machines and factories.

The first industry to be transformed by the Industrial Revolution in Britain, utilizing machines powered by water and later, steam.

A system of production where work is done by individuals in their homes, often relying on hand tools and simple equipment.

A machine invented by James Hargreaves in the 1770s that used hand power to spin multiple threads simultaneously, revolutionizing textile production.

A term referring to the new class of workers who moved to urban areas to work in factories during the Industrial Revolution.

A social phenomenon where men became the primary wage earners in families, while women were typically confined to domestic work or low-paying jobs.

A term referring to the idea that women's sphere of influence was primarily within the home, while men's sphere was in the public domain, such as work and politics.

The impact of the Industrial Revolution on living standards, characterized by lower wages, poor living conditions, and a decline in leisure time. However, it also brought benefits like cheaper cotton goods, expanded nighttime activities, and advancements in healthcare.

A legislative act in 1802 that restricted child labor, limiting the work hours of children and prohibiting those under the age of 9 from working.

A social and economic system where the government plays a significant role in promoting industrial development, especially in infrastructure and transportation.

A system where a mill owner would pay a family for the combined work of all family members, often with children contributing alongside adults.

The process of industrialization in some countries being disrupted or reversed due to the influx of cheaper, industrially produced goods from other countries, particularly from Britain.

A term referring to the harsh working conditions and long hours faced by workers in early factories, often with severe penalties for tardiness or mistakes.

In the early days of factories, many owners came from a diverse range of backgrounds, with varying levels of wealth, religious beliefs, and ethnicities.

A period of time in the 1830s where many industrialists had inherited their wealth from their ancestors, creating a new class of affluent individuals who controlled factories and industries.

Poets like William Blake and William Wordsworth criticized the negative impacts of industrialization, highlighting the destruction of nature and the pollution caused by factories.

A group of handicraft workers who protested against the introduction of machinery in the textile industry by attacking factories in Northern England.

A well-educated class, often referred to as the "public," who held a position below the aristocracy in social hierarchy.

The working class, who were primarily employed in factories and industrial jobs, referred to as "the People,".

A concept that emphasizes the awareness of individuals to their shared class interests and their differences from other classes.

The Combination Acts of 1799 were laws passed by the British Parliament to outlaw trade unions and strikes, suppressing worker organization and collective bargaining.

A large, multipurpose cotton spinning machine invented by Samuel Crompton in 1779. It combined features of the spinning jenny and the water frame, capable of producing fine, strong thread in large quantities.

A machine invented by Eli Whitney in 1793 that revolutionized cotton production by efficiently separating cotton fibers from their seeds. It significantly increased efficiency and led to the expansion of cotton production in the United States. However, ironically, it also fueled the expansion of slavery.

A crucial breakthrough in the Industrial Revolution, this engine burns coal to produce steam, which powers a pump. It was initially invented by Thomas Newcomen and Thomas Savery, and later improved by James Watt with a separate condenser.

A process where iron is made stronger and more flexible by heating and melting it in a furnace fueled by coke. This process, invented by Henry Cort, significantly improved the quality of iron production.

A machine invented by Henry Cort that used steam power to press molten iron into bars. This innovation revolutionized iron production and enabled Britain to produce 3 million tons of iron annually.

A type of transportation system that used planks or rails for efficient movement. It was a precursor to modern railways and allowed for the movement of heavier loads than traditional roads.

The first steam locomotive, built by Richard Trevithick. It was a pioneering invention that paved the way for the development of modern railways.

A famous steam locomotive built by George Stephenson. It achieved speeds of 35 miles per hour and was instrumental in the development of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

A grand exhibition held in London in 1851, housed in a magnificent structure made entirely of glass and iron, known as the Crystal Palace. It showcased the advanced technologies and achievements of the Industrial Revolution.

An economic theory developed by David Ricardo, which argued that even with temporary wage increases, wages would eventually return to basic survival levels due to increased population growth and competition for jobs.

An economic theory developed by Thomas Malthus, which theorized that population growth outpaces resource production, leading to poverty and famine. He argued that later marriages could help control population growth.

A term used to describe the development of large-scale, power-driven industries. It was first pioneered by Britain in the late 18th century and then spread to other European countries, transforming economies and societies.

Taxes imposed on imported goods to encourage consumers to purchase domestic products. This policy was often used by governments to protect their own industries from foreign competition.