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John Kay invents the “flying shuttle”
source The flying shuttle was one of the first inventions that improved cotton production in Great Britain. This machine made weaving cotton cloth faster. The “flying shuttle” was one of the first moves towards industrializing the making of cotton from being woven and spun by hand, to being done by machinery. picture citation -
James Hargreaves invents the “spinning jenny”
source The “spinning jenny” was created by James Hargreaves to further improve methods for spinning cotton thread.This machine produced more thread for weavers at a faster rate. Cotton mill workers fiercely objected to this machine. This was another move towards the industrialization of cotton production. picture citation -
The Industrial Revolution begins in Great Britain
The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain fro several reasons. Economic development in agriculture, a spike in population, plenty of capital, abundant natural resources, and a good supply of markets all contributed. Great Britain flourished and after a few decades the revolution began to spread to other countries. picture citation -
James Watt Improves Steam Engine
James Watt improved the steam engine so that they could be used to run cotton mill machinery. Again, this invention furthered industrialization of cotton production. More workers were taught to run machines and manage factories than to actually spin and weave cotton. The process now needed less labor and was more cost efficient. picture citation -
Henry Port invents the process of “puddling”
This process was invented to produce higher quality iron and reduce “pig iron”. The process uses coal to rid iron of its impurities by burning it away with coke. This invention caused a huge increase in Britain’s iron industry, production spiking from 17,000 tons in 1740 to 70,000 tons in the mid 1780’s. picture citation -
Edmund Cartwright Invents Power Loom
sourceThe water-powered loom significantly improved the production rate for cotton weaving. This invention began the movement of all cotton production into factories. Factories were generally built by rivers, which were used to power the machinery inside. Workers were taught how to manage and run machines instead of spinning and weaving the cotton themselves. picture citation -
The First Steam-Powered Locomotive
The first steam-powered locomotive was the beginning of an enormous part of the Industrial Revolution. Railroads greatly improved the economy of Britain. This locomotive ran in Britain, pulling 10 tons of ore and 70 people at 5mph. picture citation -
Robert Fulton Builds the Clermont
sourceThe Clermont was the first commercial method of transportation to use steam-powered propulsion. The boat’s inaugural voyage, travelled 152 miles at 5mph. The boat was invented by Robert Fulton. The boat prompted the beginning of a new age of transportation, more than 100 steamboats were actively in service by 1840. picture citation -
The Rocket locomotive opens on the first public railway line
sourceThe Rocket was one of the first major improvements in the railroad industry. It pulled a 40 ton load at 16mph from Liverpool to Manchester, a distance of 32 miles. It was the first locomotive designed for passengers, not just freight. It ran for 14 years before it was retired to a museum. picture citation -
Factory Act of 1833 tightens child labor regulations
The Factory Act of 1833 set guidelines for child labor in factories. Children under 9 were not allowed to work, children between 9 and 13 had a maximum of 9 working hours, and children between 13 and 18 had a maximum work time of 12 hours. picture citation -
Excessive working hours for women are outlawed
sourceWomen could now work no more than 12 hours a day during the week and no more than 9 hours on Sundays, including half hours for meals. This ended the constant overworking of women in factories. Also, this decreased the amount of women laborers, creating the work pattern of men earning more of the money in a family. picture ciatation -
Great Britain Leads Europe
The Industrial Revolution has reached a peak in Great Britain. It has progressed past all other countries and now leads Europe in cotton, coal, and manufactured goods. The revolution and its effects are still spreading to other countries. Factories, railroads, and the country’s several prosperous industries have all contributed to an enormous social and economic change in Europe. picture citation
