Overview
This lecture explains the Industrial Revolution, its defining innovations, why it began in Britain, and debates about the reasons behind its emergence in Europe.
The Industrial Revolution: Definition and Impact
- The Industrial Revolution (c. 1750-1850) was a major increase in production using machines and new energy sources.
- It dramatically transformed daily life, including work, housing, education, food, and technology.
- Before the Industrial Revolution, 80% of people farmed; now, less than 1% do in the US.
- Key results include modern conveniences: electricity, mass-produced goods, cars, and widespread education.
Key Innovations and Interconnected Developments
- British textile industry innovations included the flying shuttle, Spinning Jenny, and water frame.
- The steam engine, first by Newcomen, improved by Watt, powered factories, railroads, and steamboats.
- Chemical manufacturing advanced with the use of sulfuric acid and increased lead production.
- These interconnected advances accelerated production speed and reduced cost.
Why Britain? Competing Explanations
- Eurocentric arguments cite cultural superiority, science, political freedoms, strong property rights, and small populations.
- Such arguments often overlook similar conditions in China and India.
- China had a long history of invention and free enterprise but did not industrialize first.
Coal, Wages, and the British Advantage
- Britain had abundant, easily accessible coal, fueling steam engines and industry.
- High wages in Britain made machines more economically attractive than manual labor.
- This combination of cheap energy and expensive labor drove industrial innovation.
Global Connections: India’s Role
- India was the world’s top producer of cotton textiles with low wages and high agricultural productivity.
- British efforts to compete with Indian textiles spurred mechanization in Britain.
- Industrialization was influenced by global demand and exchange, not just European factors.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Industrial Revolution — a period of rapid industrial growth powered by machines and new energy sources, beginning in Britain around 1750.
- Steam Engine — a heat engine using steam to generate power, central to industrialization.
- Textile Industry — sector producing cloth, where many early industrial innovations appeared.
- Eurocentrism — viewing history from a European-centered perspective, often ignoring other regions’ contributions.
- Positive Feedback Loop — a process where an initial gain amplifies further advances, e.g., coal powering steam engines that help mine more coal.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for next week’s topic: Capitalism.
- Optional: Post questions or phrase guesses in the comments for further discussion.