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Agricultural Revolution (Early 18th century)
Cause: The Agricultural Revolution changed many agricultural practices, leading to dramatic increases in the food supply, meaning that more people could be fed at lower prices with less labor. Effect: This revolution led to the Industrial Revolution due to population growth and enclosure movement laws forcing peasants to move into towns, allowing for a labor force to grow for new factories. -
Urbanization
Cause: The European population stood at an estimated 140 million in 1750. By 1850, the population had almost doubled to 266 million. This was due to declines in death rates, wars, and major epidemic diseases. Because of increased food supply, people were better fed and more resistant to disease.
Effect: However, famine and poverty were still prevalent during urbanization. More than 1 million people died during the Irish potato famine, and poverty led a million more to migrate to the Americas. -
New Social Classes
The Industrial Revolution drastically changed society in Britain, France, Germany, and other parts of Europe. In the first half of the nineteenth century, cities grew and two new social classes emerged: the industrial middle class and the industrial working class. However, the working class had to face wretched working conditions. Work hours ranged from 12 to 16 hours each day, 6 days per week. There was no security of employment, and there was no minimum wage. -
Invention of Railroads
Transportation was slow and unreliable in the 18th century, with people relying on unpaved roads and canals to transport goods. Through the invention of the steam engine and large access to more natural resources like iron and coal, railroad systems were created. These systems allowed locomotives to carry and transport goods throughout the country quickly & efficiently. Since people were buying goods, they were distributed to many different markets. -
Cotton Industry
The production of inexpensive cotton goods was a giant industry in Great Britain. These workers made cotton thread from raw cotton. Then, weavers wove the cotton thread into cloth on looms. In the eighteenth century, individuals did these tasks in their rural cottages. This production method was called a cottage industry. -
Socialism
The Communist Manifesto was written in 1848 and blamed the horrible conditions of factories on the system of industrial capitalism. Written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, these people believed that the bourgeoisie - the middle class - were oppressing the proletariat - the working class. They wanted to abolish all social classes and have everyone be of the same status. -
Population Growth
In 1850, the population had grown to about 266 million. The rapid growth of these cities led to pitiful living conditions for many, leading urban reformers to call on local governments to clean up their cities. Action was taken, and in the second half of the 19th century reform was made to make cities a better place for living. -
Iron Industry
In 1852 Britain produced almost 3 million tons (2.7 million t)—more iron than was produced by the rest of the world combined. High-quality iron was used to build new machines, especially trains. Building railroads created new jobs for farm laborers and peasants. Less expensive transportation led to lower-priced goods, thus creating larger markets. More sales meant more demand and the need for more factories and more machinery.