The Industrial Revolution
Before the RevolutionGreat Britain was a largely rural
society through 18th centuryMost Farming occurred on
common landGreat Britain became leading
manufacturer in cotton goods production
System for producing cotton goods was known as the cottage industry or putting-out systemIndividuals made cloth goods
out of their own homes using a hand loom
Very labor intensive process!
Why it Begins in Great Britain1. Improved farming practices
Led to more food, lower prices, healthier people
2. Population GrowthEnclosure movement forced
peasants to move to cities, increased labor available in cities
3. Britain had lots of money or capital for investment in expensive mill & factory equipment
Continued…4. Britain had lots of natural
resourcesWater, coal, iron
5. Markets to ship/sell goods Domestic and colonies
overseasThese characteristics can be
summed up into the Factors of Production:Land, Capital, Labor
Early Cotton MillsTechnological advances
make cottage system inefficient
Flying ShuttleMade weaving faster
Spinning JennyMade spinning of thread
much fasterPower Loom
Increased rate of weaving
Flying Shuttle
Spinning Jenny
Other InnovationsWater power eventually displaced by
steam powerDeveloped by James WattGreatly increases Britain’s cotton
productionMills no longer have to be placed by
riversPuddling Process leads to improved
iron for machines/ trains1804: first steam locomotive (5 mph)1829: Rocket travels at 16 mph
Carried great quantities of goods
Development of FactoriesOwners wanted to keep
machines running steadilyIncrease rate of production &
profits!Factories built to house
machinery & workersMany workers would sleep,
eat, and work in such structures
Factory WorkMen, Women, Children
would work in factoriesWhy women & children?
Workers responsible for repetitive tasks
Worked long, rigid hoursHeavy fines/ punishment for
arriving late or other misconduct
Consequences of Factory WorkHighly skilled workers no longer
neededCreates competition for jobsLower Wages
Women, childrenPoor working conditions & lower
wagesInvestors wanted to lower cost of
production & increase profitsLed to development of new
Middle Class – the Industrial Middle ClassPeople who bought the machines
and built the factories
Spread of IndustrializationIndustrialization spreads
throughout Europe & eventually reaches USA
Samuel Slater’s millStole mill plans from
EnglandLed to mass urbanization:
The movement of people to the cities