ERA 3 (Unit 5) Flashcards
Why was the Industrial Revolution such a big deal?
It changed the entire world from the way people think, to where they work, and social structures. It inspired waves of nationalism that had serious effects on colonies and their chances for independence. After the agricultural revolution around10,000 BCE, this was the next biggest change the world had seen.
What was the Industrial Revolution?
It was the introduction of machine manufacturing and industry and transformed the world from one based on agrarian/handicraft economies to one based on industrial production in factories
What led to the creation of factory systems?
New innovations like the Spinning Jenny and the Water Frame which were first powered by moving water and then steam, required space and money. Entrepreneurs put several into the same space and the factory was born. It also helped that parts could be replaced instead of whole machines, thanks to Eli Whitney. This also meant the artisans were no longer needed
Why were unskilled workers more likely to find work during the Industrial Revolution?
Workers on assembly lines were responsible for a single part of whatever was produced and they did the same task over and over again. Workers no longer made a full product from start to finish.
What did industrialization mean for the consumer?
Because products could be made quickly prices went down, which meant average people could buy more stuff and factory owners became very wealthy.
What new economic theory became the driving force in European countries? Describe it
Capitalism. Some scholars say that Joint Stock companies were the earliest vestiges of Capitalism because private individuals could invest in them and make a profit. Adam Smith’s On the Wealth of Nationsdescribed a system where governments were not involved in the economy. Instead, an “invisible hand” guided the market based on supply and demand. This wascalled Laissez-Faire (“Leave alone”) economics. There was also a belief that infinite amounts of wealth could be created by simply letting businessmen make decisions about how to invest their money without government interference.
Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in England?
England had the necessary resources for mechanization like iron and coal close to the surface and abundant waterways for the transportation of goods.
Where did industrialization spread to?
The United States, Russia and Japan are good examples.
Why was there resistance to Industrialization in China during the Qing Dynasty and in the Ottoman Empire?
Some viewed industrialization as westernization.
Who was a part of the growing working class?
Those who worked in factories.
Who was a part of the growing Middle Class?
Those who worked in offices or managed factory workers. They came to be known as “white collar” workers
Who was the new elite class?
Factory owners who were replacing those whose status was linked to birth and landownership. Sometimes this new elite were called the bourgeoisie.
What was the life of the working class like?
They worked 14-16 hours a day, and ate most of their meals at the factory away from their families. Conditions in the factories were unsafe and pay was very low.
Why did factory owners employ so many women?
Women could be paid less than men
What methods were used by the working class to fight for better conditions?
They joined labor unions to make their voices more powerful as a collective. Labor unions fought for and won the creation of a fair minimum wage for workers, limited work hours, and the five day work week
