1. Dawn of the Industrial Age
Causes of the Industrial Revolution

2. A Portrait of Life in 1750
Most people were peasant farmers who worked the land with hand tools.
They knew very little of the world outside their towns.
They could not read or write, and therefore had no education.
All goods were produced at home (clothing, food, etc.)

3. A New Agricultural Revolution
Improved methods of farming
The Dutch separated the land from the sea and made fields larger.
British farmers improved on this new technology.
British Enclosure Movement
Enclosing small portions of land to create large fields
Many small farmers lost their jobs and moved to cities.

4. The Population Explosion
European population rose from 120 to 190 million in less than a century
Reasons for the explosion:
Decreasing death rate
More food, less disease
Better hygiene and sanitation
Improved medical care

5. An Energy Revolution
In earlier times, people relied on the strength of their own bodies for work.
Water power became the standard during the late 18th and 19th centuries.
New sources of energy became available, such as coal.
1712: Thomas Newcomen developed the very first steam engine (would be improved later by James Watt)

6. Review Questions
1.) What factors contributed to the agricultural revolution?
2.) Why did populations soar in Europe?
3.) What energy sources powered the Industrial Revolution?