The industrial revolution (1760-1850)

Introduction

The industrial revolution consists of major interrelated economic, technological and social change, usually dated to the period of 1760-1850 years when Britain adopted the industrial economy, based on the new machine technology and the factory system. As a result of these changes, she became the first industrial society (see Industrialization).

Crucial features of this process were to:

(a) increased capitalist control over the labor process and significantly increase the division of labor, as well as subsequent improvements in efficiency and productivity in factories and workshops, and

(b) the invention of new machinery and upgrading of first water power and later steam power in the mining and manufacturing industries (especially in the textile and steel industries), transport (road, river, rail, maritime). Since the industrial revolution entailed, and rapid population growth (see demographic transition), urbanization with its attendant social problems - urban poverty, poor health and lack of effective city government.

In some extent, remains controversial, or has not led the industrial revolution to an absolute decrease in the level of life in its early stages. But one thing is clear: many categories of workers (e.g., hand-weavers), displaced by mechanization, but also be exposed to high levels of unemployment in periods of severe recession, have suffered greatly, even when, as believed by some commentators, the purpose of the new industrial society was the overall expansion of consumption and social welfare. Of course, the increased discipline, the tyranny of a new control over the process of labor and its duration met resistance from many of the workers.

Causes of the Industrial Revolution in Britain are complex and actively debated economic historians. However, all agree that with the beginning of the revolution is the ability of new industries to supply local markets and abroad, new products such as cheap cotton fabrics and household porcelain, supported a stimulus for further economic growth and social change. For the UK soon followed by other European societies and the U.S. Subsequently, some ahead of England and embarked on another period of economic and technological development (including electric power, chemical industry, as well as radio and telecommunications), sometimes referred to as the second industrial revolution. Another important question concerns the relationship between industrialization and capitalism. The first industrialization was the result of previous capitalist social relations. It is also clear that industrialization was also initiated in the socialist societies. (Berlanstein, p. 1)

Discussion

Modern historical science of economics highlights in the history of mankind three major qualitative leap - three revolutions in the productive forces of society and the structures of society itself. Neolithic Revolution created generating economy; Industrial Revolution led to the transition from agrarian to industrial society, the continuing technological revolution leads to transition from industrial society to a service. All these processes occur asynchronously in different countries and regions, but were global in nature. (Berlanstein, p. 1)

The term "industrial revolution" (or "industrial revolution") emphasizes the rapid and explosive nature of the changes that have occurred at the turn of 18-19 centuries. For the first time this ...