The British Industrial Revolution: Economic and Social Transformation

The Industrial Revolution: Origins and Profound Impact

Before the Industrial Revolution, society faced significant limitations that contributed to an economic downturn. Subsistence agriculture and cottage industries dominated, hindered by technological barriers. The population had limited purchasing power, and trade was slow, often hampered by customs duties within countries.

Birth of British Industrialization

In 18th-century Britain, particularly in Lancashire, the industrial process concentrated with the creation of numerous factories. The development of basic industries—textile and steel—marked what is known as the British Industrial Revolution.

Key Drivers of Modern Industry

The development of modern industry was driven by profound transformations in population, agricultural production methods, manufacturing, commerce, banking, and transport. This process of change affected all economic and social sectors. It launched in the UK, and its effects expanded to other countries, including those that supplied raw materials to a global industrial market.

Phases of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution is often divided into distinct phases, each characterized by specific technological advancements and economic shifts.

First Industrial Revolution (1780-1870)

The First Industrial Revolution, spanning from approximately 1780 to 1870, was characterized by the widespread use of coal and the steam engine. Factories became symbols of new production methods, with the cotton textile industry pioneering many of these changes.

Second Industrial Revolution (Post-1870)

Beginning around 1870, the Second Industrial Revolution was defined by the advent of electricity and the internal combustion engine (fueled by oil), which profoundly transformed capitalism.

Demographic Transformation

The Industrial Revolution was significantly propelled by changes in population and agriculture within the UK. The English population experienced remarkable growth.

Population Growth in the UK

The English population tripled over a century and a half, from 5 million in 1701 to 18 million in 1851. Growth was moderate until 1750, accelerated between 1751 and 1801, and then saw a demographic explosion thereafter. This demographic growth, far from being an obstacle, proved to be a stimulus for economic development.

Factors Driving Population Increase

The United Kingdom's successful industrialization was attributed to simultaneous growth in population and agricultural resources. This growth was primarily due to increased birth rates and a significant fall in mortality. Birth rates were facilitated by earlier marriages and improved diets, which increased fertility. From 1760 onwards, there was a notable reduction in mortality due to:

• A better diet, supported by increased agricultural production.
• New means of transport that enabled food imports.
• Advances in medicine.
• Improved hygienic conditions, including better clothing and water purification.

All these factors allowed for an annual population growth rate between 1.5% and 2.5%. This demographic revolution transformed the population from a state of slow stagnation to rapid growth.

Later Trends: Birth Rate Decline

In the second half of the 19th century, the birth rate declined, falling between 20% and 28%. This was a result of social changes and evolving attitudes. The prohibition of child labor, for instance, became a significant economic burden for families, contributing to this shift, alongside a loss of influence from religious beliefs regarding procreation.

The Agricultural Revolution

The Agricultural Revolution in the agricultural sector significantly contributed to industrialization.

Enclosure Laws and Capitalist Agriculture

This revolution was driven by the Enclosure Laws of the 18th century, which continued into the 19th century. The introduction of new techniques was crucial, leading to the appearance of a capitalist agribusiness mentality. In England, lands were owned by the lower nobility, while peasants rented the other half, which belonged to the nobility and free proprietors. The agricultural soil of England was traditionally divided into open fields and separate strips. Their exploitation provided firewood and other natural resources.

Impact of Enclosures

The Enclosure Laws, passed by Parliament, transformed the old communal pastures into large, private, and fenced plots. Their implementation increased significantly after 1760 and continued until 1860. During these 100 years, over 5,000 enclosure laws were passed, representing one of the biggest changes in the landscape of rural England, affecting 21% of the land, equivalent to 28,000 km².