Introduction
The Industrial Revolution was a period of profound economic, technological, and social change that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and spread worldwide during the 19th century. It marked the transition from agrarian and handicraft economies to industrial and machine-based production.
Why Great Britain?
Great Britain is considered the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Several factors contributed to this:
- Abundant natural resources: Coal and iron ore were essential for powering and building machines.
- Stable political environment: Encouraged investment and innovation.
- Colonial markets: Provided raw materials and markets for manufactured goods.
- Skilled labor force: Many workers were available due to changes in agriculture.
Key Inventions and Innovations
The Steam Engine
Before the steam engine, factories relied on water wheels for power, meaning they had to be built near rivers. The invention of the steam engine allowed factories to be located anywhere, revolutionizing production.
- James Watt (1736–1819): British inventor and entrepreneur, a key figure in the first Industrial Revolution. He improved the steam engine, making it faster, more flexible, and fuel-efficient. Watt partnered with manufacturer Matthew Boulton to produce steam engines for factories, mines, and later transportation.
Applications of the Steam Engine
- Factories: Used in textile mills, ironworks, and mines.
- Transportation: Powered locomotives (trains), steamships, and eventually automobiles.
Other Important Terms
- Agrarian and Handicraft: Refers to agriculture and manual crafts before industrialization.
- Locomotive: A powered rail vehicle used for pulling trains.
- Cottage Industry: Small-scale, home-based manufacturing, common before factories.
- Iron and Steel: Essential materials for building machines, railways, and infrastructure.
Impact of the Industrial Revolution
- Urbanization: People moved from rural areas to cities to work in factories.
- Economic Growth: Mass production led to increased goods and wealth.
- Social Change: New social classes emerged, including industrial workers and entrepreneurs.
- Technological Progress: Innovations in machinery, transportation, and communication.
Articles
Powering the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution would not have been possible without a new source of power that was efficient, movable, and continuously available. Watt’s steam engine played a leading role in greatly increasing industrial production of all kinds.
In the mid-1700s, James Watt transformed an inefficient steam pump into a fast, flexible, fuel-efficient engine. The availability of steam engines was a major factor in the development of railroads, which solved a major transportation problem.
Definition:
- Underpinned by: Supported by; something that forms the foundation or basis.