Question

(History Europe) Discuss some of the social consequences of the industrialization in Britain once it spread from the textile industry to other parts of the economy.

Answer 1

British sectors at the beginning of the 18th century were usually tiny and comparatively sophisticated. For instance, the majority of textile manufacturing was focused on tiny workshops or in spinners, weavers and dyers ' households: a literal' cottage industry' involving thousands of individual producers. Such small-scale production was also a characteristic of most other sectors, with distinct areas specializing in various goods: for instance, metal manufacturing in the Midlands, and coal mining in the North-East.

New agricultural methods and innovations paved the way for change. Increasing quantities of food have been generated over the century, ensuring sufficient availability to meet the requirements of the ever-growing population. A surplus of inexpensive agricultural labor in many rural regions resulted in serious unemployment and increased poverty. As a consequence, many individuals in towns and cities left the landscape to find job. So the scene was set for a large-scale, labour intensive factory system.

Due to restricted energy sources, industrial growth was originally slow during the early 1700s. Textile mills, heavy equipment and coal mining pumping were all strongly dependent on ancient energy techniques: waterwheels, windmills and horsepower were generally the only accessible sources.

However, changes in steam technology have started to dramatically alter the scenario. Thomas Newcomen first revealed his steam-driven piston engine as soon as 1712, which enabled profound mines to be pumped more efficiently. Steam engines improved rapidly as the century advanced, and were put to greater and greater use.

The increasing demand for coal after 1750 disclosed severe issues with the transportation scheme of Britain. Although many mines stood near rivers or the ocean, unpredictable tides and weather slowed the shipment of coal. Because of the increasing demand for this vital raw material, many mine owners and industrial speculators started funding new canal networks to more efficiently connect their mines to increasing population and industry centers.

Most of the highways in this era were in a horrible state early. Many were poorly maintained and during the winter even significant roads flooded. Stage coach traveling was long and awkward. London endured poorly, in specific, when cars and carriages were stuck in bad circumstances and were unable to deliver food to markets. In the face of these problems, local authorities have applied for' Turnpike Acts,' which enabled the construction of new highways to be paid out of tolls imposed on traffic. New road-building methods, created by pioneering engineers like John McAdam and Thomas Telford, led to the 1780s ' excellent road boom.

For about 50 years, the Industrial Revolution happened only in Britain, but it ultimately spread to other nations in Europe, the United States, Russia, and Japan. British entrepreneurs and public officials prohibited the export of equipment, manufacturing methods and qualified employees to other nations, but the innovations spread by attracting British specialists with profitable deals and even smuggling secrets to other nations. Industrialization spread to France, Germany, Belgium, and the United States by the mid-19th century.