AP Human Geography: The Industrial Revolution

Introduction

• Last unit of AP Human Geography course.
• Focus on how the Industrial Revolution transformed the world.

Origin and Key Factors

• Began in England between the mid-1700s and 1800s.
• Factors leading to the Industrial Revolution:
  • Growing workforce.
  • Access to raw resources (coal, iron).
  • Access to new capital.
  • New inventions and technology (e.g., steam engine).

Transformative Inventions

• Steam Engine

  • Revolutionized production, trade, and transportation.
  • Enabled ships and trains to transport goods and people more efficiently.
  • Example: Transcontinental Railroad in the USA.

• Textile Industry Innovations

  • Spinning Jenny
    • Spun multiple spools of thread simultaneously.
  • Power Loom
    • Automated weaving of cloths and tapestries.
  • Impact: Reduced costs, increased output, and threatened cottage industries.

Impact on Society

• Rise of factories led to a shift from cottage industries.
• New social classes based on wealth emerged; rise of the middle class.
• Creation of new jobs and opportunities.
• Exploitation of workers with long hours, low wages, and poor conditions.

Demographic Changes

• Industrial Revolution linked to Stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model.
• Population growth due to declining death rates and high birth rates.
• Urbanization driven by economic opportunities in cities.

Agricultural and Rural Impact

• Agricultural technologies mechanized farming.
• Increased farm output and reduced reliance on human labor.
• Enclosure movement made farms more efficient and increased urbanization.

Colonialism and Imperialism

• Industrialized countries sought raw resources and markets.
• Berlin Conference: European powers divided Africa for resources.
• Colonies exploited for resources, not for stable state development.

Overall Impact

• Increased standard of living and food surplus.
• Shifted migration patterns and reshaped social classes.
• Increased global interactions but also inequality.
• Uneven economic development around the world.

Conclusion

• The Industrial Revolution significantly altered global society.
• Encouragement to practice and review related questions.
• Reminder to subscribe for more educational content and resources.