Industrial Revolution and its Impact: Economic and Social Transformations

Industrial Revolution: Economic and Social Transformations

Overview

The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic and social changes driven by technological advancements that began in Britain in the mid-18th century. This transformation profoundly impacted the economy and society.

Demographic Revolution

Causes

• Increased farm production
• Progress in medicine and health

Consequences

• Decreased birth mortality
• Increased population growth

Features in Spain

• Population growth from 11.5 million in 1797 to 18.6 million in 1900 (60% increase)

Agricultural Revolution

Causes

• Privatization of soil
• New cultivation techniques

Characteristics

• New private property system
• New crops
• Norfolk four-course crop rotation
• Mechanization of tasks

Consequences

• Increased demand
• Rising prices
• Abolition of feudalism

Features in Spain

• Desvinculación (breaking up of entailed estates)
• Desamortización (confiscation and sale of church and common lands)

First Machines and the Factory System

Key Features

• James Watt's steam engine in 1769 using coal as energy
• Generalization of the factory system
• Increased use of cotton spinning machines
• Increased production of iron

Transport Revolution

Overview

The Transport Revolution began in the mid-18th century in Britain and spread throughout Europe, driven by increasing agricultural and industrial production.

Consequences

• Railways shortened travel time and made it more comfortable and secure
• Steamboats enabled crossing the Mediterranean in 15 days

Adam Smith and Capitalism

Ideals

• Self-interest and the pursuit of profit as the basis of economic benefit
• The market is regulated by the law of supply and demand
• The state should not interfere in the economy

Consequences

• Recurring economic crises

Marxism and Socialism

Creators

• Karl Marx
• Friedrich Engels

Ideals

• Advocated for a revolution to overthrow capitalism
• Supported universal suffrage and progressive taxation

Consequences

• Establishment of the 8-hour workday

Anarchism

Creators

• Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
• Mikhail Bakunin
• Peter Kropotkin

Ideals

• Criticized individual exaltation and private property
• Defended communal forms of property
• Rejected authority

Consequences

• Advocated for social revolution led by the working class

Internationalism

Creators

• Socialist and anarchist unionists
• Paris Commune

Ideals

• United the ideals of various socialist and anarchist movements
• Advocated for a global struggle against capitalism