Major Changes in Society and Economy Brought by the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, fundamentally transformed societies and economies worldwide.
Empire and Colonialism
- The Industrial Revolution spurred European nations to expand their empires, seeking raw materials and new markets for manufactured goods.
- Exploitation of colonies increased; for example, British textile mills relied on cotton from American plantations.
Revolutions and Transformations
- This period witnessed the transition from agrarian economies to industrial ones, marking a significant socio-economic shift.
- Revolutions, such as the American Revolution (1776) and the French Revolution (1789), were influenced by industrialisation and its ideologies such as liberalism and capitalism.
Trade Networks and Economic History
- Trade networks expanded, with improved transportation such as railways and steamships facilitating faster movement of goods.
- Global trade patterns shifted, and countries specialised in particular industries, increasing interdependence among nations.
Religion and Belief Systems
- The Industrial Revolution led to the rise of secular ideologies, reducing the Protestant and Catholic church's control over daily life and education.
- New social theories emerged, including socialism and Marxism, challenging existing religious and economic frameworks.
Technological and Scientific Developments
- Technological advancements such as the steam engine (invented by James Watt in the 1770s) revolutionised transportation and manufacturing.
- Innovation in industries, like textiles with the spinning Jenny (1764) and the power loom (1785), significantly boosted productivity.
Global Interconnectedness
- The Industrial Revolution fostered global interconnectedness as countries became linked through production and consumption.
- Communication innovations, like the telegraph (1837), facilitated quicker exchange of information across continents.
Comparative Civilisations
- The impact of the Industrial Revolution varied across civilisations; while Western nations industrialised rapidly, many non-Western nations faced colonial exploitation.
- This created disparities in economic growth and technological progress, laying foundations for modern global inequalities.
Socio-Cultural and Political Reasons
- Urbanisation dramatically changed social structures, moving populations from rural to urban centres, creating new social classes.
- Labour movements emerged, advocating for workers' rights and influencing political reforms, such as the Factory Acts in 1833 and 1844, which improved working conditions.
