Impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Modern World

Origins of the Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was one of the two major transformations that marked the beginning of the contemporary Western world. It began in England in the mid-18th century (18). After the expansion of this movement all over Europe, it became known as the industrialization process. During the 19th century (19), the UK converted into the "workshop of the world."

Social and Political Context in the UK

Due to the changes in Europe and Japan, an industrial bourgeoisie emerged, which became the owner of enterprises, banks, or companies, and a new industrial class, also called the industrial proletariat, formed—that is to say, the workers. Regarding the industrial policy context, it was situated in the UK and consisted of a parliamentary monarchy and an economically active middle class. There was a favor for debating what was necessary for sales turnover.

The United Kingdom was the first commercial and maritime power; the world had free trade and the liberalization of the agricultural sector, which was a major impetus for the manufacturing industry and unprecedented technological innovation. Developing and publishing this technical innovation was favored by the close relations between scientists and manufacturers.

The Rise of the Textile and Steel Industries

The Textile Industry

The predominant industries were textiles! This was the engine for parallel changes due to the need to innovate; a demand arose for quality yarn at a low cost. These changes included the steam engine, patented in 1769 and put into operation in 1776.

The Steel and Metallurgy Industry

Steel and metallurgy also made great strides at this time. The result of these developments was the concentration of the factories near the mines. The momentum of this industry came from the demand for machinery for textiles and, since 1830, for the construction of the railway.

The Transport Revolution

In the 18th century (18), transportation was slow. The solution came with the construction of a canal network that linked producers of raw materials to industrial areas. While the roads and bad paths were managed, the railway was the great revolution since it benefited the metallurgical industry.

This meant a great development for engineering, as it facilitated transport, saved time and materials, and enhanced the formation of large capital companies.