Britain Leads the Way Chapter 5.2
Why Britain? Britain was able to quickly industrialize because of several factors: Large amounts of coal Lots of river transportation routes Large pool of skilled mechanics Enough people grew rich from trade, who financed new industry Stable government that supported economic growth
The Transportation Revolution With increased production came the demand for better transportation Turnpikes were built and canals were dug. Railroad tracks crisscrossed in both Europe and North America
The Textile Industry The Industrial Revolution made its first big impact on the trade industry. Machines were invented that cleaned cotton, spun thread, and wove cloth. Home-based workers were quickly replaced by fewer factory workers.
The Textile Industry Weaving Loom The Flying Shuttle Created by John Kay 1733 Enabled weavers to work so fast they were out pacing the spinners