History and Impact of the Industrial Revolution

Origins of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was a period of profound economic and social changes, caused by the widespread use of machinery in production. It occurred in two stages: the first began around 1760, and the second in 1870.

Demographic Growth and Public Health

The English population grew slowly until the 18th century as both the birth rate and the death rate were high. In the late 18th century, however, there was high and sustained population growth. This was because the death rate decreased, while the birth rate continued to be high. The death rate decreased for several reasons:

• Nutrition: This improved, and potatoes became a basic food.
• Personal and public hygiene.
• Public health: Edward Jenner discovered the vaccine against smallpox, which helped control epidemics.

The Agricultural Revolution

Farming techniques evolved significantly. The three-field system of crop rotation was replaced by the four-field system, also called the Norfolk system. Land was divided into four fields, which alternated wheat, turnips, barley, and clover. This allowed farmers to keep more animals, which increased manure—a natural fertilizer—in the fields. In the late 18th century, the wood plough was replaced by the iron plough. New farming machines were introduced, including machine seeders, threshers, and harvesters.

Land Ownership, Use, and Livestock Farming

Changes in land ownership and use, alongside advancements in livestock farming, further fueled agricultural productivity.

The First Industrial Revolution

Until the 18th century, most products were made by artisans in small workshops using simple tools. In the late 18th century, several machines were invented that manufactured goods more quickly. Workshops were replaced by factories. James Watt invented the steam engine, and machines became steam-powered, using coal as an energy source.

The Factory System and Division of Labor

Industrial activities were concentrated in certain places. The production process changed as well: each worker specialized in a single task in the production process, a concept known as the division of labor. The division of labor increased productivity; each worker produced more than an artisan could in the same amount of time.

Innovations in the Textile Industry

The textile industry was the first to introduce technical innovations in spinning and weaving when machines became steam-powered.