The Industrial Revolution (W. Europe, U.S., Russia, & Japan)

Late 18th century through the 19th century

“No movement in human history did more than the Industrial Revolution to change the way people live. It has provided humanity with great benefits, and at the same time, it has destroyed people with its less fortunate consequences.”

Industrialization started in Great Britain, then spread to other parts of Western Europe, the

U.S., Japan, & Russia in the 18th century.

Industrialization led to new patterns of production that changed how goods were made & consumed.

home to factory production

Machines using fossil fuel powered engines were used to increase production (replacing human, animal, and water power).

Textile Industry in Britain: where the industrial revolution began.

Factors leading to the rise of industrial production . . .

Abundance of rivers & canals and access to coal, iron, & timber

Population increases and urbanization Improved agricultural production Legal protection of private property Access to foreign resources Accumulation of capital

Development of the factory system concentrated labor and led to an increasing degree of specialization of labor.

Developments in transportation and communication.

Railroads, Steamships Canal networks Telegraph

A 2nd industrial revolution led to new methods in producing steel, chemicals,

electricity and precision machinery.

To meet the need for investments in all levels of industry, financiers developed various financial institutions.

The Bottom Line“Industrialized” nations were

able to make better stuff faster than anywhere else in the world.

Global trade changed as industrialists sought raw materials and new markets for factory goods.

Some Continuities… Patriarchy Working classes remained in the lower classes Long hours, low wages, and child labor for the

poor Nobility retained their position in upper class Land continued to be a source of wealth and

status Agriculture continued to be an important part of

the economy, if not the basis of the economy.