Industrialisation of Britain

Question 1

Cottage Industries

Answer 1

People produced goods in their own homes or own farms before selling it to local communities — slow and inefficient method of production.

Question 2

Coal

Answer 2

As the most important resource of industrial production. Thomas Newcomen developed steam-powered water-pump for mines in 1709. Large coal fields in Britain, and iron ores for producing iron were often found in close proximity to coal fields — rapid increase of iron / steel construction.

Question 3

Textile

Answer 3

Cotton imported from North America since the 1770s. With steam-powered looms from the 1820s, decline in weaving as cottage industry — the textile industry as the first leading industry of industrialisation.

Question 4

Joint Stock Banks

Answer 4

Took all of the savings from small and large investors and turned it into capital that it reinvests into the industry. Shareholders had limited liability; they could only be held for the amount of their investment.

Question 5

Turnpikes

Answer 5

Barriers set across private roads in Britain to restrict passage until a toll has been paid. Demise of these roads since the 1850s. Britain was more navy-focused and not keen on using roads for military purposes.

Question 6

Canals

Answer 6

Used to move most of the raw materials during early industrialisation, but were expensive to build and maintain, hence decline as a mode of transport after the 1820s.

Question 7

Railways

Answer 7

Rapid development of the railway network from 1825 due to steam-powered locomotives. Railways hence replaced textile as the leading industry during accelerated industrialisation.