Industrial revolution Flashcards
Birthplace
England
6 significant inventions and inventors
- Steam Engine: James Watts, improvements in the late 18th century made it more efficient and fueled the growth of industries.
- Spinning Jenny: James Hargreaves, revolutionized the textile industry.
- Power Loom: Edmund Cartwright enhanced the efficiency of textile production and led the textile industry’s growth.
- Cotton Gin: Eli Whitney, increased the efficiency of cotton processing and contributed to the US cotton industry.
- Locomotive: George Stepenson’s importance spans the economic, environmental, and social spectrum. It increased goods production in places where water power was not available.
- Telegraph: Samuel Morse, revolutionized communication.
Main Energy Sources
- Coal
- Water power
- Animal Power
- Wind power
- Electricity
Push Factors
Rural Poverty: Many rural areas faced economic hardships, leading to a decline in traditional agricultural practices.
Agricultural Changes: The Enclosure Movement and advancements in farming techniques reduced the need for agricultural labour, displacing many workers.
Famine: Poor harvests and food shortages pushed people to seek better living conditions elsewhere.
Pull factors
Factory Jobs: The rise of factories created a demand for labor, attracting individuals from rural areas to urban centers.
Urbanization: Cities expanded rapidly, offering new opportunities and amenities that drew people in.
Higher Wages: Industrial jobs often paid more than agricultural work, incentivizing migration to urban areas.
Impact on Globalization and the Silk Road
Increased Trade: The Industrial Revolution led to a surge in production and the need for raw materials, revitalizing trade routes, including the Silk Road.
Expansion of Markets: As industrialized nations sought new markets for their goods, they expanded their reach globally, leading to increased interaction between different cultures.
Technological Advancements: Innovations in transportation (like steamships and railways) made it easier to move goods over long distances, enhancing global trade networks.
Cultural Exchange: The movement of people and goods facilitated cultural exchanges, influencing art, science, and technology across regions.
Additional Details
Urban Growth: The Industrial Revolution resulted in significant urbanization, with cities like Manchester becoming industrial hubs, often referred to as “Cottonopolis.”
Labor Conditions: While the revolution created jobs, it also led to harsh working conditions, prompting the rise of labor movements and calls for reform.
Environmental Impact: The rapid industrialization had severe environmental consequences, including pollution and resource depletion, which are still felt today.
Global Migration: Between 1815 and 1939, about 20% of Europe’s population emigrated, driven by poverty and the search for better opportunities, significantly impacting demographics in the Americas.
Impact on Exploration
Technological advancements: Steamships, railways, and navigation improvements facilitated faster and more reliable travel, making exploration easier.
Economic motivations: The demand for resources and new markets drove exploration, leading to colonial expansion and imperialism.
Imperialism and colonialism: Industrialized nations expanded their territories to secure resources and markets, leading to the “Scramble for Africa” and increased colonization.
Cultural exchange and knowledge: Exploration led to increased knowledge of the world, cultural exchanges, and the introduction of new ideas and technologies.
Impact on indigenous populations: Exploration and colonization resulted in the displacement and disruption of indigenous societies, as well as the introduction of diseases that decimated native populations.
Increased interest in scientific exploration: The era saw a rise in scientific expeditions, contributing to fields like biology, geology, and the mapping of uncharted territories.