Lesson 4&5 Flashcards
The Industrial Revolution pt.1
What does the term ‘revolution’ in the Industrial Revolution indicate?
It indicates the radical nature of economic and social change rather than the speed of change.
Name some key triggers of the Industrial Revolution (IR).
Mercantilism and Empire, Agriculture, Transports, Technology, and Institutions.
What was one of the primary goals of mercantilist policies during the Industrial Revolution?
To strengthen the state both financially and institutionally, especially through increasing exports and limiting imports.
What were the Navigation Acts, and why were they significant?
They were mercantilist policies mandating that only English ships could engage in coastal trade, and they restricted the importation of goods to English ships, strengthening British dominance in global trade.
How did agriculture change in England between the 15th and 18th centuries?
It saw an increase in arable land, intensive farming techniques, selection of plant and animal varieties, greater market integration, and privatisation of land.
What was the role of enclosures in the Agricultural Revolution?
They increased agricultural productivity but also contributed to the rise of a powerful class of large landowners.
How did transport innovations contribute to economic growth during the Industrial Revolution?
They lowered transaction costs and travel times, connected production and consumption centers, and promoted more efficient regional specialisation.
What were two key innovations that powered the Industrial Revolution in technology?
The invention of the steam engine and the process of smelting ferrous metals using coke.
How did James Watt’s steam engine revolutionise industries?
It introduced a more energy-efficient steam engine capable of transforming piston motion into rotary motion, aiding in mining and textile industries.
What industry was the main product of the first phase of the Industrial Revolution?
Cotton.
What impact did the Second Industrial Revolution have on business structure?
It led to the emergence of big businesses, new organisational structures, and capital-intensive industrial sectors.
What was Taylorism and how did it influence factory work?
It involved the scientific organisation of work to increase efficiency, including division of labour and management tasks.
What is Fordism, and how did it differ from Taylorism?
It improved on Taylorism by standardising tasks, reducing the required skill level, and introducing the assembly line to maximise productivity.
