The Industrial Revolution in Britain
The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain, developed in two phases:
Phase 1
Starting in the 18th century, the initial changes involved the use of new energy sources, machinery in factories, and a shift in the workforce.
Phase 2
From 1870 onward, it spread throughout European countries, the USA, and Japan.
This period saw significant changes, including the rise of the bourgeoisie and the proletariat (workers who earned wages). These changes transformed an agricultural and commercial economy into an industrialized one.
Causes and Factors
The Agricultural Revolution
New production techniques led to increased agricultural yields.
Expansion of Trade and Transport
British foreign trade benefited greatly from trade with its colonies.
Population Growth
The Steam Revolution and Early Industries
Steel Production
The steam engine made steel production possible.
The Textile Industry
Constant technical innovations allowed for the mechanization of spinning and weaving, transforming manufacturing into an industry.
The Steel Industry
Coal became a new source of energy.
The Steam Engine
Invented by James Watt, it was a groundbreaking invention used in textiles, mining, and steel. It also revolutionized transportation with the steam train and steamboats.
New Funding Sources
Industries needed more capital for new machinery, which they obtained through banking. Corporations became a common form of business.
Business Concentrations
Several companies would unite in two forms:
- Vertical Concentration: Producing different but complementary products.
- Horizontal Concentration: Enterprises engaged in the same industrial activity.
Technical Advances
Significant advances included the converter, which improved steel production.
New Sources of Energy
Electricity was developed, with Edison inventing the light bulb and Berg discovering hydroelectric power. Oil became important as a fuel source.
New Industries
Chemicals
A wide range of products emerged, including fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and explosives.
Electrical
Electrical materials were produced using copper and lead.
Food
Canning allowed for the preservation of various foods in hermetically sealed cans.
Economic Liberalism
Based on freedom of action in all economic sectors, its core principles included:
- “Work is the only source of wealth.”
- “Personal interest is in the interest of the community.”
- “Economic activity is regulated by the law of supply and demand.”
- “Governments should not intervene and allow private enterprise to function freely with maximum individual initiative.”
- “The exchange of goods should be free.”
Class Society
Characterized by social mobility, loss of privileges, the rise of the bourgeoisie, and the emergence of the industrial proletariat (urban workers).
The Labor Movement
Industrial growth led to the expansion of cities, which changed their appearance with machines, railway tracks, and stations. Increased traffic negatively impacted the environment with pollution and noise. Cities became segregated into different neighborhoods.
The disappearance of unions left workers vulnerable to employers. Working conditions were harsh, including:
- Long working hours
- Lack of safety and hygiene, leading to diseases
- Child labor
- Low wages, especially for women and children
- Layoffs
- Absence of leave and social security
- Prohibition of worker associations
Beginnings
Worker groups destroyed machinery in protest, a movement known as Luddism. A law in 1812 imposed the death penalty for damaging machines.
Development
Progress of Trade Unionism
Workers united to fight for better working conditions through unions.
The General Strike
Used as a means of pressure.
Emergence of Revolutionary Ideologies
- Marxism: A political and economic theory based on the ideas of Engels and Karl Marx, advocating for social and political change through class struggle to establish a classless society.
- Anarchism: A political theory based on the thought of Proudhon, opposing all forms of government and advocating for individual freedom and the disappearance of authorities. It promoted organization through communes.
The 1st International
Founded in London in 1864, it dissolved in 1876 due to government persecution. Marxists wanted to engage in political action through political parties, while anarchists believed in acting through unions and were expelled.
The 2nd International
Founded in Paris in 1889, its main goal was the 8-hour workday. It also dissolved due to political tensions in Europe leading to World War I.
Definitions
- Proletariat: The industrial working class concentrated in factories.
- Public Company: A company owned by many people who receive shares representing their ownership.
- Monopoly: Exclusive control over a commercial activity granted by an authority.
- Adam Smith: A prominent representative of economic liberalism.
- Means of Production: Elements necessary for manufacturing a product.
- Luddism: Named after Ned Ludd, the first English worker to break a loom.
- Chartism: A workers’ movement that sent a petition to Parliament called the People’s Charter.