Industrial Revolution and Social Changes - 1861 Words

Introduction: Between 1760 and 1860, technological progress, education, and an increasing capital stock transformed England into the workshop of the world. The industrial revolution, as the transformation came to be called, caused a sustained rise in real income per person in England and, as its effects spread, the rest of the Western world. Historians agree that the industrial revolution was one of the most important events in history, marking the rapid transition to the modern age, but they disagree about various aspects of the event. Of all the disagreements, the oldest one is over how the industrial revolution affected ordinary people, usually called the working classes. One group, the pessimists, argues that the living standards of†¦show more content†¦Britain emerged from the Napoleonic Wars as the only European nation not ravaged by financial plunder and economic collapse, and possessing the only merchant fleet of any useful size (European merchant fleets having been destroyed duri ng the war by the Royal navy Britains extensive exporting cottage industries also ensured markets were already available for many early forms of manufactured goods. The conflict resulted in most British warfare being conducted overseas, reducing the devastating effects of territorial conquest that affected much of Europe. This was further aided by Britains geographical position—an island separated from the rest of mainland Europe. Another theory is that Britain was able to succeed in the Industrial Revolution due to the availability of key resources it possessed. It had a dense population for its small geographical size. Enclosure of common land and the related agricultural revolution made a supply of this labour readily available. There was also a local coincidence of natural resources in the North of England, the English Midlands, South Wales and the Scottish Lowlands. Local supplies of coal, iron, lead, copper, tin, limestone and water power, resulted in excellent conditions for the development and expansion ofShow MoreRelatedThe Industrial Revolution : A Social Change1279 Words   |  6 PagesThere is no doubt that a technological change brings about a social change. The Industrial revolution saw many people displaced from their land, finding work in crowded city factories. Serfdom was abolished and the population shifted from villages to the cities. Strong family ties, self-sufficiency and the right to o ccupy land were replaced with uncertain tenancy of land, dependency on trade and a weakening of the family unit. Economically, goods and money abounded, and trade flourished. 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AlthoughRead MoreImportant Factors Leading to Industrial Revolution1606 Words   |  7 PagesNowadays, it is almost taken for granted that the industrial revolutions are the result of changing technology and the proper application of that in the industrial production. However, from my point of view, these two factors did play a vital role in stimulating industrial revolutions, but they were not the only catalyzer propelling monumental development in industry. Influentially, the improvements in organizations of politics, social patterns, commerce, finance, and transportation alsoRead MoreIndustrial Revolutions During Europe During The Industrial Revolution1298 Words   |  6 PagesIndustrial Revolution in Europe Before the industrial revolution, Europe was mostly dominated by farmers but as the industrial revolution progressed this changed dramatically. 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