Mechanization and Economic Change 1780-1860

Factors of the First Industrial Revolution

The Demographic Revolution in Europe was initially characterized by a high birth rate and high mortality due to malnutrition. During the second half of the period, a high birth rate persisted while mortality decreased as emerging pandemics were countered by the beginning of vaccines. Consequently, the population grew rapidly, leading to increased consumption.

Agricultural Expansion and Structural Changes

During the Agricultural Expansion, equipment was improved; fallow land was replaced by continuous cropping and the crop wheel to avoid land shortages. The wooden plow was replaced by the iron plow, irrigation systems were perfected, and reforms produced livestock fodder. These changes helped develop housing, and meat reached all cities. Farm structures changed as the Liberal Revolution removed manorial estates. Land became private property, allowing farmers to save capital to invest in industry or the stock market. Many farmers migrated from the countryside to work in urban factories.

The New Economic Mentality

A new mentality emerged based on Economic Liberalism, an ideology of social and economic change. Liberalism defends the economy and private initiative in starting businesses, making money, and investing in innovation.

The First Industrial Revolution (1780-1860)

Industrialization and mechanization transformed the workplace. Workshops were replaced by factories using steam engines powered by coal. James Watt was the inventor of the first efficient steam engine. Factories introduced the division of labor, which increased production and lowered manufacturing costs and product prices.

Great Britain: The Cradle of Industry

The movement began in Great Britain, which possessed a labor-intensive workforce, a broad market, and significant deposits of iron and carbon. The British parliament drafted laws reflecting a liberal mentality. Between 1820 and 1840, the Industrial Revolution spread across Europe to France, Germany, and Belgium. It also significantly affected the textile industry in Catalonia.

Advanced Sectors: Textiles and Steel

• Industry of Cotton: Raw cotton came to Britain at low prices. Approximately 350,000 people worked to spin and weave cotton pieces using mechanical looms.
• Siderurgy (Steel Industry): Mineral coal replaced charcoal. Blast furnaces were built to produce refined iron. Between 1720 and 1850, the high demand for iron drove the creation of machines, tools, and the construction of the rail network.

The Revolution in Transport

The Splendor of Navigation

In 1807, Robert Fulton launched motorboats powered by steam. Between 1830 and 1880, iron was used to propel these ships. By 1870, the first boats with propellers and refrigeration appeared. The Suez Canal shortened the journey from London to Bombay in colonial India by 40%.

The Era of the Railroad

The railroad era advanced the Industrial Revolution. The steam engine was used to propel locomotives along iron rails. In 1814, George Stephenson built the first locomotive to transport coal from mines. In 1825, the first freight rail line was inaugurated in England. By 1830, the first passenger railway connected Liverpool to Manchester, proving to be faster, safer, and cheaper. Later, between 1891 and 1905, the intercontinental Trans-Siberian line was constructed.