The Industrial Revolution was a period of dynamic change and dramatic innovation in the history of human society. During this period, which lasted from approximately 1750 to 1850, new methods were adopted which forever changed the means of producing goods. The development of factories, the introduction of mass production methods, the utilization of steel and the emergence of new forms of transportation and communication - all had a profound effect on where and how people lived, worked and interacted. The long term changes ushered in during this period still resonates today.
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Of all the places in the world, why did the Industrial Revolution ignite in England. What domestic considerations permitted England to become the world's first industrial country? In his book, The Silent Revolution, author John Osborne warn us not to oversimplify any explanation for this historical occurrence(1). The author points to the fact that England had favorable advantages over its neighbors during the mid 1800s. First, England had a stable but not oppressive governmental system. Secondly, England benefited from a favorable geographical location. Lastly, the English had a relatively flexible class structure. Compared with other countries on the European continent England was economically and socially well off. In most of the other countries tradition smothered innovation (2).
The British drive toward economic supremacy involved creating new machines and experimenting with more efficient manufacturing techniques. The greater understanding of nature, a result of scientific discoveries of the preceding century, encouraged the development of a more critical attitude toward manufacturing techniques (3). In approximately fifty years the concept of "modern production was created". This development had immediate ramifications for the "worker" of the era. The domestic worker with his simple hand tools would gradually give way to a factory worker in charge of a complicated machine powered by steam. While these changes were taking place, a tradition of private investment in promising new enterprises was growing . Britains commercial tradition, operating against a backdrop of peace and comparative prosperity provided new ventures with the investment capital, raw materials and profits which propelled the country into the forefront of the Industrial Revolution.
The invention of the steam engine allowed new production techniques to be adopted. The technical success of these steam engines translated into greater productivity. Over a short span of time new production methods were adopted industry by industry. Technical know how changed the way business was conducted and altered the relationships involved. For one thing, industries utilized materials and resources which were formerly either ignored, too expensive or used locally only. Advancements in tooling and production caused a flood of quality products which dramatically upgraded the quality of peoples lives. China clays for example, which were formed into fine pottery by craftsman could now be made available to the rich as well as the poor. The availability of inexpensive dishes had a positive effect on peoples' health, for it could be cleaned more efficiently than the pewter previously used by the poor. Cheaply produced sulphuric acid was used in making cotton goods, soap and glass (4). Manufacturing this acid cheaply significantly lowered the price of these commodities in the marketplace. The use of gas for lighting was in itself a minor social revolution (5). Thanks to gas, the streets of London were made brighter and safer than before. As a result of these changes the insurance premiums for many buildings in London were reduced.
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Producing more goods more efficiently was one matter; getting these finished goods to market over a decrepit road system was another challenge. The markets opened up by increased production demanded a revitalized infrastructure and a dependable transportation network in Britain. To achieve this goal the first thing done was reformation of the bureaucratic system of funding and maintaining roads. Inspired by the spirit of innovation let loose during this era, engineers applied new road building methods and experimented with new materials. The results of the improvement were often spectacular. Travel time from London to Birmingham in the 1740's was two days; in the 1780s it was reduced to only nineteen hours (6). Better roads opened a new world of possibilities for travelers during this era. A wider range of people could now travel through England. Road improvements also led to new jobs and new opportunities, such as the traveling salesman. Better roads fostered intellectual inquiry, reduced rural dullness as well as tempting ambitious country youth to try their luck in the city.
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By the early nineteenth century superior stage coaches were attracting passengers who demanded and got more comfortable coaches and cleaner roadside inns. This system of long distance, horse drawn travel would flourish until the advancement of the "iron horse" in the 1830's made it obsolete.
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Between 1780 and 1840 the population of the United Kingdom doubled. What created this phenomenal growth in the population of England? (7). Was it a higher birth rate, lower death rate or some combination of the two? Eighteenth century advances in medicine and sanitation, plus a more abundant food supply, were credited with lowering the rate of mortality, particularly among infants and children. By the early 1800's uncontrolled population growth was a major concern in England. It was assumed by economists that increasing population was a cause of poverty and that everything should be done to discourage early marriages. Initially, the poor were asked to abstain from marriage until they could afford it, but after 1830 they were increasingly urged to emulate the example of the virtuous middle class (8). A new force in society was emerging: the middle class. The middle class had grown in socioeconomic power and their conduct had become the moral imperative of the poor. In earlier periods the approved pattern in marriage had been set by the aristocracy, and it was a casual one (9). Now the middle class, proud of its rising standard of living, was anxious to make the poor sacrifice so they too could climb to bourgeoisie status.
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The increased wealth and prosperity set in motion by the Industrial Revolution caused a shift in values for many people. Materialism gave new life, hope and new meaning to many poor people during this period. As a result, materialism took on new meaning and became a "new god". Mans' increasing self reliance and preoccupation with self also raised him to the status of "god". Scientific reason and knowledge became yet another "god" with its principal agents, the scientist and the technologist. Scientists and technologists were perceived as the "high priests" of technological advancement and many people had "faith" in their power to improve the world.