Key Factors in Historical Economic and Social Change

Factors Changing Demographics

What factors were instrumental in changing demographics? What consequences did this have on the evolution of the population?

The increase in food production and progress in hygiene (soap) and medicine (vaccines) were instrumental. This led to a decline in mortality and a slight increase in the birth rate, which increased the population.

Changes in Land Ownership

What was the essential change in the ownership of land and what did it allow? What about new crops?

• Private property became essential.
• This allowed planting more quantity to make more revenue.
• New crops appeared, and the land and mechanization of production increased and diversified.

Population Growth Curves

Describe the evolution of the curves of birth, death, and population growth. What name does this demographic phenomenon receive?

• Birth Rate: For every thousand inhabitants, 38 or 40 were born each year. It remained high throughout the century.
• Mortality Rate: For every thousand people, 38 were dying each year. It started very high and declined very fast towards the end of the century.
• Rapid Population Growth: The population passed 10,000,000.

That is, if more are born than die, the population increases. At the end of the century, the population increased very quickly. This phenomenon is often referred to as a demographic transition.

The Factory System of Production

What is the factory system of production and what factors led to it?

It consists of the concentration of workers and machines in large industrial buildings called factories.

Factors that led to it include:

• Mechanization
• The introduction of new energy sources.

Textile Industry Mechanization in Britain

Explain the process of mechanization of the textile industry in Britain.

The first changes included the flying shuttle (to increase weaving speed), the spinning jenny, and mechanical looms.

Steel Industry Development

What enabled the development of the steel industry, and why was it important?

• The use of coal and the converter to transform iron into steel enabled its development.
• It was important because it allowed for much higher heat output and stronger materials.

Innovations in Transport

What innovations were introduced in transport? Why do you think there is talk of a revolution?

• A new system of iron rails and wheels with flanges prevented the derailment of the railroad.
• The locomotive was driven by a steam engine.
• Later, the steam engine was applied to maritime transport, and steamboats replaced sailing ships.

There is talk of a revolution because people and much more merchandise could be moved much faster and lighter over much greater distances in a very short time.

Transport Changes and Increased Trade

How did the changes in transportation lead to increased trade?

Improved transport allowed large quantities of goods to be transported over long distances quite fast. Prices became cheaper, making goods accessible to more people.

Market Economy Definition

MARKET ECONOMY: This occurs when production is primarily for selling, not just for personal consumption.

Economic Theories on Commerce

What two theories emerged regarding freedom of commerce?

• Free Trade: This economic theory states that wealth is obtained through unrestricted trade of any kind.
• Protectionism: This involves protecting a country's domestic production by preventing or limiting imports from other countries.