The Industrial Revolution in Britain (1700-1914)

Posted on Oct 18, 2024 in History

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution in Britain began in the countryside between 1700 and 1914. Several factors contributed to this, including the inheritance of skilled iron makers, available investment capital, access to power sources like water and coal, and a strong emphasis on science and engineering education. These factors led to a population increase and a migration of people from rural areas to cities in search of employment.

Key People

  • Abraham Darby: Developed furnaces that produced pig iron.
  • William Hedley: Created “Puffing Billy” to haul coal wagons.
  • George Stephenson: Built a railway from Liverpool to Manchester.
  • Edwin Chadwick: Published a report highlighting the severity of cholera outbreaks.
  • Samuel Crompton: Invented the spinning mule, the first steam-powered textile machine.

Timeline of Events

  • 1700: Start of the Industrial Revolution.
  • 1707: Production of pig iron.
  • 1780: Invention of the water frame.
  • 1788: Population doubles.
  • 1800: Factories powered by water, capital crimes, textile industry in Catalonia, railway system.
  • 1802: Apprentices Act (regulating worker conditions).
  • 1831: Cholera outbreak.
  • 1833: Factory Act (regulating factory conditions).
  • 1842: End of the cholera epidemic, improvement of mine conditions.
  • 1914: End of the Industrial Revolution.

Key Inventions

  • Flying Shuttle (1733): Invented by John Kay, it sped up weaving but angered weavers who feared job losses.
  • Spinning Jenny: Invented by James Hargreaves, it accelerated spinning and could be operated even by children.
  • Water Frame (1769): Invented by Richard Arkwright, it used water power to operate machines.
  • Spinning Mule (1779): Invented by Samuel Crompton, it was initially used in homes before factories.
  • Air Pump: Invented by John Buddle to ventilate mines and remove dangerous gases.
  • Puffing Billy (1800): Invented by William Hedley to transport coal wagons.

Social Effects

  1. Urbanization: People moved from rural areas to cities for better job opportunities and a more concentrated and evolved lifestyle.
  2. Poor Hygiene and Disease: Lack of sanitation and contaminated water sources led to outbreaks of diseases like cholera. Cemeteries overflowed due to the high death rate.

Factory System

Richard Arkwright’s water frame revolutionized production by using water power to drive machines. This led to increased employment opportunities but also resulted in harsh working conditions and long hours for factory workers.

Cottage System

The demand for cloth led to the invention of machines like the flying shuttle and spinning jenny to speed up production, particularly in the cotton industry. While these machines increased efficiency, they also led to job displacement for weavers and spinners, and the exploitation of child labor.

Colonies

Colonies were communities of workers established by textile mill owners who provided them with certain services.

The War of Independence (1808-1813)

The War of Independence began with Napoleon’s invasion of Spain. Napoleon tricked the Spanish monarchs into abdicating and installed his brother as king. Spanish guerillas fought against the French occupation. The government moved to Cadiz, where the Constitution of Cadiz was created. The war resulted in the independence of Spanish colonies, widespread hunger, poverty, and disease.

Fernando VII “The Desired” (1784-1833)

Fernando VII restored absolute monarchy and abolished the Constitution of Cadiz. He revoked the Salic Law of Succession, which prevented women from ruling, leading to the Carlist Wars. During his reign, all Spanish possessions in America gained independence.

Carlist Wars

The Carlist Wars were dynastic and political conflicts between supporters of Carlos Maria Isidro, Fernando VII’s brother, and Isabel II, Fernando’s daughter. The wars were primarily fought in the Basque Country, Navarre, and northern Castellon. Isabel II eventually became queen.

Isabel II (1830-1904)

Isabel II’s reign was marked by instability due to frequent changes in ministers. Her accession to the throne triggered the First Carlist War. She eventually abdicated in favor of her son, Alfonso XII.

First Spanish Republic (1873-1874)

The First Spanish Republic was a short-lived period of political turmoil. It faced challenges such as Carlist Wars, the Cantonal Revolution, and the Ten Years’ War in Cuba. The republic ultimately failed due to internal divisions, lack of popular support, and social and political instability. A coup led by General Manuel Pavia ended the republic and established a unified republic dominated by Francisco Serrano.

Amadeo I (1845-1890)

Amadeo I’s reign was characterized by various challenges, including political disputes, republican conspiracies, and social unrest.