Introduction

Industrialization transformed the life of Europe; its presence or absence determined the quality, strength, and destiny of a nation. The Industrial Revolution brought changes to the nineteenth century that seemed unbelievable. Transportation provides a good example of an astonishing advance. In 1815, people were still traveling by the same means that their ancestors had used for centuries. By 1914, however, new energy sources and technology had unlocked new avenues of fast, extensive travel. Powerful steamships; locomotives traveling over vast networks of rail; the automobile, which quickly became an important feature of modern life; and even the freedom of flight all created a vast technological gulf between the 1815 horse-and-carriage generation and the “horseless carriage” generation of the turn of the century. These changes along with those in communication and production led to so many other changes in the family and society.

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to

outline the developments of the Industrial Revolution.
explain the effect of technological change on culture.

Key Questions

What made the expansion of the food supply in Europe possible?
What were the Corn Laws? Whom did they protect? Why did people call for their repeal?
Describe the change that came to the nature of work because of industrialization.
Why did Great Britain lead the world in industrialization?
How did the relationship between people and work change because of the factory system?
What is the link between industrialization and urbanization?
Why did people have negative attitudes about urban centers?

Key Terms

railroads
steam ships
specialization of labor
steam engine
coal/iron/steel
Fredrich Engels, The Condition of the Working Class in England (1844)
Corn Laws
also: Great Exhibition in London, 1851; English Factory Act, 1833; stages of the Industrial Revolution

Reading

Read the following.

Industrial Revolution

Part 1

Part 2