The Industrial Revolution

Paper Summary:

This paper explains the Industrial Revolution and its significance by tracing its history in Great Britain (1700-1860 AD), and during the second stage of industrialization (1860-1914). It looks at the social changes it brought about including the new patterns of urban life that emerged in its wake. The paper explores the conditions of the working people during the industrialization. It also expands on the political reaction to the change in Britain and Europe.

Table of Contents:
The Beginning of the Industrial Revolution: Britain (1700-1860 AD)
The Second Stage of Industrialization: (1860-1914)
Social Changes & the Condition of the Working People
Political Reaction in Britain and Europe
Conclusion
Works Cited

From the Paper:

"Rapid industrialization required the shift of a large number of people from their traditional agricultural occupation to become available as factory workers. This would not have been possible if sufficient surplus food was not available to sustain a large population not directly involved in producing their own food. A number of developments in British agriculture during the early 18th century had led to a spurt in agricultural output, which was nothing short of a "revolution" by itself (Overton). Specifically, Britain's "agricultural revolution" was enabled by the adoption of new farming methods such as crop rotation , the system of land enclosures , the invention of the "Seed Drill," and reclamation of land through clearing of forests and the draining of the fenlands."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Ashton, T. S. The Industrial Revolution, 1760-1830. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997.
• "The Four Field System." Open Door Website. December 1, 2005 <http://www.saburchill.com/history/chapters/IR/003f.html>
• "Industrial Revolution." Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia Online, 2005. December 1, 2005 <http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761577952/Industrial_Revolution.html>
• More, Charles. Understanding the Industrial Revolution. London: Routledge, 2000.
• Overton, Mark. "Agricultural Revolution in England 1500 - 1850." BBC History Homepage. 2002. December 1, 2005 <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/society_culture/industrialisation/agricultural_revolution_01.shtml>

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