Industrial Revolution Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in England? Industrial Revolution

Predict what this picture will tell you about the Industrial Revolution.

Definition: The greatly increased output of machine-made goods that began in England in the mid-1700s. Introductory Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eutUTVpdWDc

Why Industrialize? Large population Extensive natural resources (i.e. water power, coal, and iron ore) Expanding economy (people able to invest in business for a profit) Political stability (no major wars fought in Britain) Why Industrialize?

Why England? England had the resources necessary for industrialization Natural resources: water, coal, iron Good economy Stable government Why England?

The Railway Age 1825: First railroad line opened Four major effects of the development of the railroad: Cheap way to transport materials and finished goods New jobs Agriculture and fishing industries boosted because goods could be moved easily Country people could take city jobs The Railway Age

Life Changes More jobs, but poor working conditions Cities grew as people moved there for jobs Poor living conditions Class tensions grew Life Changes

Living Conditions in Cities No sanitary codes Inadequate housing Lack of education No police protection Garbage on the streets Sickness, disease spread quickly Low life expectancy (17 for working class) Living Conditions in Cities

Primary Source Description of River Thames in London(1855) “Observations on the Filth of the Thames” SIR, I traversed this day by steam-boat the space between London and Hangerford Bridges between half-past one and two o'clock; it was low water, and I think the tide must have been near the turn. The appearance and the smell of the water forced themselves at once on my attention. The whole of the river was an opaque pale brown fluid. . . . The smell was very bad, and common to the whole of the water; it was the same as that which now comes up from the gully-holes in the streets; the whole river was for the time a real sewer. Having just returned from out of the country air, I was, perhaps, more affected by it than others; but I do not think I could have gone on to Lambeth or Chelsea, and I was glad to enter the streets for an atmosphere which, except near the sink-holes, I found much sweeter than that on the river. I have thought it a duty to record these facts, that they may be brought to the attention of those who exercise power or have responsibility in relation to the condition of our river; there is nothing figurative in the words I have employed, or any approach to exaggeration; they are the simple truth. . . . surely the river which flows for so many miles through London ought not to be allowed to become a fermenting sewer Sincerely, Professor Faraday

Working Conditions 14 hour day, 6 days a week Poor lighting Frequent injuries Working Conditions

Children in Manchester Factories As young as 8 14 hour work day Half hour lunch and dinner Beaten to keep awake Children in Manchester Factories

Interview with a child laborer, Elizabeth Bentley. Question: What were your hours of labour?

 Answer: As a child I worked from five in the morning till nine at night.

 Question: What time was allowed for meals?

 Answer: We were allowed forty minutes at noon.

 Question: Had you any time to get breakfast, or drinking?

 Answer: No, we got it as we could.

 Question: Did you have time to eat it?

 Answer: No; we were obliged to leave it or to take it home, and when we did not take it, the overlooker took it, and gave it to the pigs.

 Question: Suppose you flagged a little, or were late, what would they do?

 Answer: Strap us [whip with a strap or belt]. 


Industrialism Spreads United States: began with the textile industry In Europe, Belgium and Germany industrialized after Britain (late 1700s to mid-1800s) Industrialism Spreads

Global Impacts of Industrialization Wealth gap between industrialized and no industrialized countries Europe became an economic power Asia and Africa remain focused on agriculture More democratic participation by middle class Global Impacts of Industrialization