Unit 2: The Industrial Age

The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the 18th to 19th centuries, was a period during which predominantly agrarian, rural societies in Europe and America became industrial and urban. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 1700s, manufacturing was often done in people’s homes, using hand tools or basic machines. Industrialization marked a shift to powered, special-purpose machinery, factories and mass production. The iron and textile industries, along with the development of the steam engine, played central roles in the Industrial Revolution, which also saw improved systems of transportation, communication and banking. While industrialization brought about an increased volume and variety of manufactured goods and an improved standard of living for some, it also resulted in often grim employment and living conditions for the poor and working classes.

Causes of the Industrial Revolution:

• The end of feudalism changes economic relationships.

• Higher population because of less disease and lower infant mortality allowed for a larger industrial workforce.

• The agricultural revolution frees people from the soil, allowing – or driving – them into cities and manufacturing.

• Proportionally large amounts of spare capital for investment.

• Inventions and the scientific revolution allowing for new technology.

• Colonial trade networks.

• The presence of all the required resources close together.

• Culture of hard work, taking risks and developing ideas.