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