What is Industrial Revolution ?

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The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the 18th to 19th centuries, was a period during which predominantly agrarian, rural societies in Europe and America became industrial and urban.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 1700s, manufacturing was often done in people’s homes, using hand tools or basic machines.

Industrialization marked a shift to powered, special-purpose machinery, factories and mass production.

Before the advent of the Industrial Revolution, most people resided in small, rural communities where their daily existences revolved around farming.

Life for the average person was difficult, as incomes were meager, and malnourishment and disease were common.

People produced the bulk of their own food, clothing, furniture and tools.

Most manufacturing was done in homes or small, rural shops, using hand tools or simple machines.

A number of factors contributed to Britain’s role as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. For one, it had great deposits of coal and iron ore, which proved essential for industrialization.

The textile industry, in particular, was transformed by industrialization. Before mechanization and factories, textiles were made mainly in people’s homes (giving rise to the term cottage industry), with merchants often providing the raw materials and basic equipment, and then picking up the finished product.

The spinning jenny was improved upon by British inventor Samuel Compton’s (1753-1827) spinning mule, as well as later machines.

Developments in the iron industry also played a central role in the Industrial Revolution. In the early 18th century, Englishman Abraham Darby (1678-1717) discovered a cheaper, easier method to produce cast iron, using a coke-fueled (as opposed to charcoal-fired) furnace.

The transportation industry also underwent significant transformation during the Industrial Revolution.

Before the advent of the steam engine, raw materials and finished goods were hauled and distributed via horse-drawn wagons, and by boats along canals and rivers.

In the early 1800s, American Robert Fulton (1765-1815) built the first commercially successful steamboat, and by the mid-19th century, steamships were carrying freight across the Atlantic.

As steam-powered ships were making their debut, the steam locomotive was also coming into use.

In the early 1800s, British engineer Richard Trevithick (1771-1833) constructed the first railway steam locomotive.

In 1830, England’s Liverpool and Manchester Railway became the first to offer regular, timetabled passenger services. By 1850, Britain had more than 6,000 miles of railroad track.

Additionally, around 1820, Scottish engineer John McAdam (1756-1836) developed a new process for road construction.

His technique, which became known as macadam, resulted in roads that were smoother, more durable and less muddy.

The Industrial Revolution brought about a greater volume and variety of factory-produced goods and raised the standard of living for many people, particularly for the middle and upper classes.

However, life for the poor and working classes continued to be filled with challenges.

Wages for those who labored in factories were low and working conditions could be dangerous and monotonous. Unskilled workers had little job security and were easily replaceable.

Children were part of the labor force and often worked long hours and were used for such highly hazardous tasks as cleaning the machinery

The Industrial Revolution, which took place from the 18th to 19th centuries, was a period during which predominantly agrarian, rural societies in Europe and America became industrial and urban.