Overview
This lecture covers the origins, key innovations, and global context of the Industrial Revolution, focusing on why it began in Europe, especially Britain.
What Was the Industrial Revolution?
- The Industrial Revolution (c. 1750–1850) was a massive increase in production due to machine use and new energy sources.
- It fundamentally changed daily life, methods of work, and societal structure.
- Most people shifted from farming to other occupations; today in the US, less than 1% farm.
Key Innovations & Processes
- Mechanization began in textiles: the flying shuttle (1733), Spinning Jenny, water frame, and mechanized mills.
- Steam power, first for pumping water in mines (Newcomen, then Watt’s improvements), powered industry and transportation.
- Coal was the essential fuel, enabling steam engines and steel production.
- Chemical manufacturing advanced, with processes like using sulfuric acid to bleach cloth.
Why Europe—Specifically Britain?
- Eurocentric explanations include supposed cultural superiority, science, political freedom, and small populations requiring labor-saving inventions.
- These explanations also apply to China or India, which were economically and technologically advanced pre-industrially.
- Britain had unique coal deposits near the surface, making energy cheap and abundant.
- Wages in Britain were the highest globally in the early 1700s, pushing manufacturers to invent machines to cut labor costs.
- High wages and cheap energy created incentives for technological innovation.
Global Context & Comparisons
- China had a long history of invention, economic power, and population, making it as likely a candidate for industrialization as Britain.
- India was the leading cotton textile producer, with cheap labor and efficient agriculture, so it didn’t need to mechanize.
- British industrialization was partly a response to the global market, particularly competing with Indian cotton.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Industrial Revolution — The period (c. 1750–1850) marked by a shift to machine-powered manufacturing and new energy sources.
- Mechanization — Use of machines to perform tasks previously done by hand.
- Steam Engine — An engine powered by steam; central to industrial advances.
- Coal — Fossil fuel key to powering steam engines and industry.
- Textile Industry — Early industrial sector involving fabrics and clothing production.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for next week’s lecture on capitalism.
- Review the factors that led to Britain's early industrialization for class discussion.