Industrial Revolution

8 Pages 1964 Words

“…those who laboured were the vast bulk of the population, the diligence with which they performed their tasks and the share which they retained of the product of their work were them main determinants of the wealth and incomes of the fortunate few”
This quote from John Hatcher’s article on pre-nineteenth century Britain summarises the capitalistic and industrialised nature of the what was deemed to be the working class. This essay will examine industrialisation, modernisation and capitalist development in Britain around the time of the industrial revolution. I will also briefly talk about different aspects of the revolution and apply them to specific key areas like the factory; the railway industry and the purpose built townships/cities.

Industrialisation by Wrigley is said to “occur in a given country when real incomes per head begin to rise steadily and without apparent limit.” Productivity also increases and the significance of industry as the backbone of the economy becomes apparent.
Rostow claims that when an economy is being industrialised it “takes off” into “self-sustained growth” . This definition is in line with Wrigley’s, however there are several key aspects to industrialisation which are apparent everywhere, some may not be as significant as others, but all play a role in the process of industrialisation.
Technological change; new inventions, new ways of doing things
Work increasingly done by machine - this way it is quicker, cheaper, more reliable than using human hands.
Supplementing/replacing of manpower with energy sources - coal, oil, steam, coke have all been used. These energy sources are far more efficient than manpower.
Freeing labourer from feudal ties - as more industry is put in place, more people are required to work in the factories. Peasants can go and work in a factory and be supplied with a house.
Creation of a free market for labour - now that more people are looking for...