SSWH15: The Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution (SSWH15)

• Industrialization began in 12th century Song China but surged in 18th century Britain due to ample resources (coal, iron, waterways, and harbors).
• The Agricultural Revolution, starting in the 18th century, resulted from exploration and changes to land ownership. This led to traditional rights on common land being ended.
• Increased efficiency, population growth, and displacement led to urbanization. Crop rotation and selective breeding were crucial aspects in this.
• Capital and labor were key factors in Industrialization, along with the development of division of labor and mass production in Britain.
• Industrialization saw rapid mechanization in the textile industry. Key inventions included: the spinning jenny (1764), water frame (1769), power loom (1784), and the cotton gin (1793).
• Innovations like steam power, interchangeable parts, and improved iron production boosted efficiency and lowered costs. James Watt's steam engine (1764) reduced dependence on waterways. This innovation was enhanced by Eli Whitney's interchangeable parts (1801) spreading to other industries.
• The Treaty of Kanagawa (a treaty that granted Japan trading privileges) marked a significant turning point in Japan. That treaty opened Japan to US business interests, but also led to rebellion against the shogun who was seen as incompetent.
• In 1868, the Meiji Restoration was formed to prevent Japan from falling victim to imperialism.
• Japan made reforms: students studied in the US, Britain, and Germany; established public education, modern armies, navies, and governments. State owned factories were sold to private investors called zaibatsu to fund these reforms.
• Japan became an imperial power by 1900. The rise of a new urban middle class occurred along with the decline of old social order. The Russo-Japanese War (1905) impacted Japan's modern status.

Adam Smith's Economic Ideas

• Adam Smith criticized mercantilism and advocated for laissez-faire capitalism.
• Individual self-interest leads to societal benefits when government has minimal economic interference.
• Division of Labor: Specialization greatly increased productivity (e.g., pin manufacturing).
• Invisible Hand: Self-interest promotes economic well-being through the production of desired goods.
• Market Forces: Free markets automatically regulated themselves via supply and demand, ensuring efficiency.
• Limited Government Role: Government intervention was needed only to protect rights, enforce contracts, and provide public infrastructure.
• Value and Labor: Goods' value stemmed from the labor involved in production.
• Economic Growth: Wealth creation enhanced living standards, focusing on goods and services.

Karl Marx's Economic Ideas

• Karl Marx argued that economic inequality drove class struggles and predicted a revolution by the working class against the capitalist class.
• Marx emphasized the rise of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat as the two primary classes in society during the transition from feudalism to capitalism.
• The industrial revolution led to unprecedented developments in production, commerce, and industry. This displaced the feudal system and traditional guilds.
• The proletariat (working class) was growing and becoming more concentrated, which would give greater power to their collective action.
• Working class conditions worsened due to competition within capitalism, leading to poverty (pauperism).
• The manifesto called for the abolition of individual property as a necessary step for the working class to control production and address class inequality.
• Marx emphasized constant revolutionizing of production by the bourgeoisie that leads to social instability and erosion of traditional social relations.

Social Impact of Urbanization, Women, and Children

• Married women were primarily homemakers, mothers, and moral figures within their families.
• Social movements emerged to end child labor and improve lives of the poor.
• Children from middle and wealthy classes were educated to work in jobs similar to their parents.
• Pollution was a significant problem in urban areas.
• Men, women, and children worked in various factories and facilities.
• Diseases and fires were common in urban neighborhoods. Some areas were known as "Hell's Kitchen".