The Industrial Revolution Overview

The Industrial Revolution (1760-1900)

• The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant change, beginning in England in the 1800s, and spreading to the U.S. and Western Europe.
• Before 1800, most people lived in small villages, and goods were produced at home.
• Natural resources were abundant.
• Rural land was often shared for crops and livestock.
• Factories emerged, and cities grew.
• New jobs were created, leading to people moving to the cities.
• England had an abundant supply of coal, iron ore, and flowing water, which contributed to its industrial development.
• Textiles were the first products to be industrialized on a large scale.
• Textiles are a type of woven fabric.
• Steel was later developed, as it could withstand heat better than iron.
• The way goods were produced changed significantly.
  • Before the Industrial Revolution, goods were produced within the home by family members (cottage industry).
  • After the Industrial Revolution, goods were produced in mass quantities in factories using assembly lines with hundreds of workers.

Effects of the Industrial Revolution

• Urbanization: The growth of cities and the movement of people to cities.
  • Reasons for urbanization include the growth of the factory system and the establishment of cities near energy sources like rivers to power mills.
• Living Conditions in Cities: Cities lacked adequate housing, police presence, sanitation, sewage, and plumbing for everyone.
  • Families lived in small, one-room homes called tenements.
  • Diseases spread easily, and life expectancy was low.
• Family Structure: Family-based cottage industries were replaced by the factory system. The Industrial Revolution substantially impacted family structure and function.
• Factory System: The factory system emerged with harsh working conditions.
  • Men, women, and children competed for wages.
  • Child labor kept production costs low and increased profits for factory owners.
  • The assembly line was created.
• Factory Owners' Control: Owners of mines and factories had significant control over their laborers' lives, from pay to housing.
• Women and Children in the Workplace: Women and children entered the workplace for the first time, providing cheaper labor than men.
  • Children were considered valuable workers; they were small enough to work in factories, and were paid little.
  • Eventually, child labor laws were reformed, and children were required to attend school instead of work.
• Abolition of Slavery: The industrial revolution played a significant role in the ending of slavery in some places.
  • More free people were employed in factories, reducing reliance on enslaved labor.
• Labor Unions: Labor unions formed to fight for improved wages and working conditions for workers.
  • Unions encouraged strikes.
  • Unions pushed for laws to improve working conditions for workers.
• Working Conditions During the Industrial Revolution:
  • Average workday was 12-14 hours.
  • People worked 6 days a week.
  • Wages were less than $1 per week.
  • Work was often boring and repetitive.
  • Work was dangerous due to poor lighting, ventilation, and heavy machinery.
  • Damp and dark factories caused numerous illnesses.