From the mid 1700's to 1800's, agricultural practices increased significantly. This resulted in more food being made faster. This added food production supported and allowed for a growing population and trade. Less farmers were needed because machines and animals were used more, meaning people moved to large towns and cities.

The steam power technology came from Newcomen's steam engine made in 1712. In 1765, James Watt (SCO) was given a Newcomen steam engine to repair. He noticed it was wasting a lot of steam and invented a better one that used iron and coal. The Watt engine became available to the public in 1769. This resulted in factories becoming more productive and factories were now located in more places.

The Watt engine and advancements in the size of steam engines in 1800's saw the advacement in transport technologies. Steam power was used to power steamboats and trains. The steam powered car was eventually invented and mass produced in the late 1800's.

Source - Geograph (Public Domain)

The Spinning Jenny was invented by James Hargreaves (ENG) in 1764 and was a spinning wheel that could spin eight threads of cotton at once. Before, people could only spin one thread at once. The Spinning Jenny would eventually be able to spin eighty threads at once. Other significant inventions were The Spinning Mule invented by Samuel Crompton in 1779 and Elias Howe's (USA) Sewing Machine in 1846. These machines not only sped up the process of making clothes, but gave people places to work and supported a growing population in Britain.

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Factors Leading to the Industrial Revolution

During the mid 1700's and early 1800's, revolutionary farmers began selective breeding of sheep and cattle so that only the largest and strongest animals mated to produce the best livestock. In 1755, Robert Bakewell introduced his Leicester breed of sheep, one he created by breeding sheep for the best meat and wool production.

Jethro Tull's Seed Drill - In 1700, Jethro Tull invented the seed drill. The seed drill was a horse-drawn device that could plant three seeds a time. The device worked by drilling a hole, planting the seed and then covering the seed with soil. It made crops five times larger.

The Rotherham plough - In 1730, Joseph Foljambe invented the Rotherham plough. This plough had an iron, triangular blade. It was much lighter than the previous wooden ploughs that had to be drawn by four horses or oxen. The Rotherham plough only needed two horses to pull it. In summary, The Rotherham plough was faster and cheaper to use.

As the population of Britain increased, the demand for food also increased. This placed greater importance on farmers. Before they were seen to satisfy the needs of the surrounding people, now they were essential for business to support trade and industry.

1 - Is this a primary or secondary source? Why?

2 - Who made the source?

3 - When was the source made?

4 - Why were the crops in the South of England fertile?

5 - Why were the crops in the North of England poor and barren?

6 - What did the introduction of crop rotation remove?

7 - List three things men in 1760's England talked about according to Beard.

Source - John Coulter (Public Domain)

4 - According to Knight, why was the locomotive called The Rocket?

5 - Why did the trial gain the interests of engineers, mechanics and scientists?

6 - How many test trips did the engines have to complete?

7 - How long was the test railroad?

8 - What speed could the engines not go under?

9 - Name the other three engines The Rocket beat in the trial.

1 - Is this a primary or secondary source? Why?

2 - Where was this source found?

3 - When was the source made?

4 - Why is the man on the left holding a shovel?

5 - What do you think is located in the barrel on the carriage?

1 - Is this a primary or secondary source? Why?

2 - When was the source made?

3 - Why do you think there is a replica of The Rocket preserved in a museum?

1 - Is this a primary or secondary source? Why?

2 - Who made the source?

3 - When was the source made?

4 - Name three canal system improvement projects planned between 1700 to 1720.

5 - What year did the construction of the Leeds to Liverpool cannal begin?

6 - How many canals were planned to be built between 1730 to 1830?

Draw a:

A river across your paper connecting east and west.

1 wooden bridge going over the river.

10 houses

1 church

1 cemetery

1 store, ​

1 pub, ​

1 coal mine

Source - Lewis Wickes Hine (Public Domain)

The demand for people to work in coals mines is high so that iron can be produced, steam engines can run and so homes can be heated.

By this time, coal miners are children aged 8-14. Their working days are 14 hours long. They suffer from black lung and their growth is stunted from working in the mines. Working in a mine becomes dangerous and casualty rates go up due to accidents and explosions.

Source - Lewis Hine (Public Domain)

The railroads allow people to move faster, bringing in more workers. Soon, there are too many workers and factory owners employ womena and children because they can pay them much less than men. Angry, men turn to crime and the pub. For the first time in England's history, the structure of a family is interupted and families rarely eat together. Child labour is at an all time high.