The First Industrial Revolution and Steam Power

Fuel Production and Costs

• The technological advancement that significantly lowered the fuel cost of pig iron production was the development of the Coke process.
• In the First Industrial Revolution, the innovation that reduced fuel costs for pig iron and wrought iron production was the puddling process.

Key Figures and Innovations

• Henry Ford triggered the Second Industrial Revolution by implementing the mass production line system in the automotive industry, revolutionizing manufacturing practices.
• The global changes stimulated by the Second Industrial Revolution included the rise of consumer culture and increased urbanization due to factory growth and job opportunities.

Communication and Energy

• The invention of the telegraph made it possible for people to communicate globally without long-distance travel, marking a major leap in communication technology.
• The Second Industrial Revolution marked the first time electric energy was utilized for mass production, fundamentally altering manufacturing processes.

Mechanization and Fuel Sources

• The First Industrial Revolution saw the primary technology responsible for mechanization as the steam engine, which powered various industries.
• A key fuel source that gained prominence during the First Industrial Revolution was coal, due to its cost-effectiveness compared to wood and other materials.

Shift in Business Models

• A major reason for replacing traditional family businesses with large factories during the First Industrial Revolution was the need for increased efficiency and scalability to meet growing demands.
• The textile sector experienced significant advancements in mechanization through the adoption of steam power, especially in Britain and Germany, leading to increased production capacity and efficiency.

Learn about the period between 1760-1830, known as The First Industrial Revolution, which introduced mechanization and factory production by utilizing steam power instead of wood. Explore the impact on traditional businesses and the shift to large factories.