FROM MUSCLE TO MACHINES!Industrial Revolution: World History

Lecture Notes

A New Kind of Revolution: Dawn of an Industrial Age

I. Beginnings of Industrialization A. Began in the Mid - 1700s. B. Triggered by a 2nd Agricultural

Revolution1. Construction of dikes (Dutch led

the way.)2. Utilization of livestock manure as fertilizer

3. Crop Rotation4. Invention of the seed drill5. Enclosure Movement

C. Population Multiplies => more available workers!

1. Britain’s population soared from about 5 million in 1700 to almost 9 million in 1800.

2. Population of Europe shot-up from roughly 120 million to 180 million during the same time!

3. Unprecedented growth a. reduced risk of death from famine due to the

new food surplus b. improved nutrition resulted in a healthier

population c. decreased death rate from disease

1.) better hygiene and sanitation 2.) improved medical care

4. Created a larger work force – more workers available!

D. New Technological Triggers 1. An Energy Revolution

a. Steam engine: powered by coal

b. Steam engine: key power source1.) locomotives2.) steamships

2. Quality of Iron Improves a. discovery/ utilization of smelting iron

b. used in construction of machines, steam engines, bridges, and railroads

II. Britain Leads the Way!

A. Plentiful Natural Resources 1. Natural Ports 2. Navigable Rivers

A. water power (water wheels, steam power)

B. canal construction feasible

3. Rich coal supply4. Vast supplies of iron

B. Labor Resources

1. Skilled mechanics2. Entrepreneurial Skills / Spirit

C. The Effects of Demand & Capital

1. Growth of Demand a. more than just “wanting something”

b. being able and willing to buy something.

c. desire for new, practical inventions

d. boosted by a higher population and willing workforce

2. Capital a. Money used to invest in enterprises –

business organizations b. Needed for shipbuilding, mining,

railroads, and factories

D. Government

1. Stability2. Strong navy that protected it empire, shipping, and oversees trade.

E. Textile Industry Thrives

1. Britain’s Textile industry 2. Inventions speed production – faster,

spinning, and weaving machines a. 1764: Spinning Jenny spun many threads

at the same time b. Presented the unique challenge to produce

enough cotton to keep up with England. c. Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin that

separated seeds from cotton quickly in 1793 d. Cotton production increased exponentially!

3. Factories emerge!

a. Because new machines were too large and expensive to be operated in homes, manufacturers built long sheds to house the machines.

b. Initially located near rapidly moving streams for water power, they eventually were powered by stream engines.

F. The Transportation Revolution 1. Turnpikes built. 2. Canals boom! 3. Steam locomotives appear and go

global! a. Beginning in the 1830s, canals lost

their appeal as steam locomotives made railroads the new preferred form of transportation.

b. Railroads did not have to follow the course of a river so tracks could go places where rivers could not!

d. By 1870, rail lines crisscrossed Britain, Europe, and North America.

All aboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

c. World’s first major rail line, from Liverpool to Manchester, opened in 1830;

d.By 1870, rail lines crisscrossed Britain, Europe, and North America!

THE EXCITEMENT OF A NEW ERA, THE BLESSINGS OF TECHNOLOGY ABOUND AND ARE UNDENIABLE….

OR are they?

All that glitters isn’t gold!

Be careful what you wish for!Will the Industrial Revolution prove to be a blessing or a curse? Will the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?