British Civilisation Week 5-6 The Industrial Revolution and the Labour Movement, Dr. Granville Pillar Dr. Granville Pillar

The Industrial Revolution and the Labour Movement The transport revolution: Stephenson’s “Rocket” (Robert Stephenson – 1829) The transport revolution: Stephenson’s “Rocket” (Robert Stephenson – 1829) The textile revolution: wool, silk, cotton, flax. The textile revolution: wool, silk, cotton, flax. Wool industry: the Spinning Jenny (James Hargreaves – 1764) Wool industry: the Spinning Jenny (James Hargreaves – 1764) Silk industry: silk weaving engine (Thomas (Lombe – 1718) Silk industry: silk weaving engine (Thomas (Lombe – 1718)

The Industrial Revolution and the Labour Movement The Industrial Revolution started in the northern part of England. The Industrial Revolution started in the northern part of England. Northern England produced steel because of large coal and iron ore deposits. Northern England produced steel because of large coal and iron ore deposits. Northeast England became the world’s leading producer of wool products. Northeast England became the world’s leading producer of wool products. Northwest England became the world’s leading producer of cotton products. Northwest England became the world’s leading producer of cotton products.

The Industrial Revolution and the Labour Movement Cotton Industry: by 1830 more than half of British exports consisted of cotton. Cotton Industry: by 1830 more than half of British exports consisted of cotton. Flax industry: flax spinning machine (John Marshal & Matthew Murray 1790) Flax industry: flax spinning machine (John Marshal & Matthew Murray 1790) Most of the mines and factories used child labour. Most of the mines and factories used child labour. Some children worked from 5.00am to 9.00pm for one penny an hour. Some children worked from 5.00am to 9.00pm for one penny an hour.

The Industrial Revolution and the Labour Movement In 1822 Michael Sadler introduced Bill in Parliament to reduce working hours of people under 18 years. In 1822 Michael Sadler introduced Bill in Parliament to reduce working hours of people under 18 years. Lord Ashley (Lord Shaftsbury) fought to reduce working hours of children. Lord Ashley (Lord Shaftsbury) fought to reduce working hours of children. In 1840 Lord Ashley set up the Children’s Employment Commission In 1840 Lord Ashley set up the Children’s Employment Commission As a result, women and children were prohibited from working underground in mines. As a result, women and children were prohibited from working underground in mines.

The Industrial Revolution and the Labour Movement In 1811 workers revolted against wage reductions and the use of new textile machines which reduced human labour. In 1811 workers revolted against wage reductions and the use of new textile machines which reduced human labour. The Luddite movement began and members broke into factories and destroyed machines. The Luddite movement began and members broke into factories and destroyed machines. Bill was passed by the government which allowed for people convicted of machine breaking to be sentenced to death. Bill was passed by the government which allowed for people convicted of machine breaking to be sentenced to death. Many were executed or transported to Australia. Many were executed or transported to Australia.

The Industrial Revolution and the Labour Movement In 1871 Trade Unions were given legal status and the Labour Party was formed. In 1871 Trade Unions were given legal status and the Labour Party was formed. In 1923, Ramsey MacDonald became the first Labour Prime Minister. In 1923, Ramsey MacDonald became the first Labour Prime Minister.