Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution was a change that occurred and led to the introduction of a new manufacturing process between 1760 and 1840. The revolution started in the United Kingdom, and most of the new technologies originated from Britain then later spread to Europe and then to the other parts of the world in the 19th century (van Neuss). This form of transition led to people moving from the old ways of manufacturing such as hand production to the use of machines and equipment, production of iron, chemical manufacturing, the introduction of water power, production of energy using steam, and the rise of factory systems. The first industry to mark the start of the industrial revolution was the textile production and created multiple employment opportunities. The revolution came with a new era in human life since almost all the common aspects were affected in one way or another. Particularly, the average income and population had sustainable growth, and the standard of living became more stable for the first time historically.
The industrial revolution occurred in the right time when the world needed to be transformed from the old era to a time when machines could be used to help people in their daily activities, increase productivity, and result in better living standards. There are many benefits associated with the industrial revolution as listed below.
In the old days, the rural areas were isolated from the urban locations, but the revolution cut this short since cities and villages were dependent on each other. In particular, the machines produced or sold in the marketplaces such as wheels were put into use in the communities that made the people living in the two areas to co-exist.
It led to the emergence of cities because the center of economic life moved from the villages to cities where most of the industries and factories were located. In particular, people had to move to town in search of employment or to sell and buy goods that resulted in urbanization.
Before the industrial revolution, the only source of income was farming. People used to cultivate their outputs and trade with others for what they never farmed, but with the revolution, they ventured into other fields such as iron-making, manufacturing, and trade as a way to earn a living (McNeil).
In the early days, people concentrated on their societies and had limited communications and interactions with those in other nations, but this was abandoned when the industrial revolution was introduced. The revolution brought people and nations together since the industrial developments taking place in a country was influential to the citizens of another nation hence they had to form a bond and share ideas and resources.
New industries such as those for iron manufacturing were introduced. The products from the manufacturers were used in development projects such as building roads and rails that facilitated better transportation and communications (ALLEN). In particular, the introduction of roads enabled people to move their goods particularly the perishable ones and trade with them.
People of the old days believed in aristocracy and nobility and were not motivated by new ideas for development. Nevertheless, this changed since the revolution led to the emergence of a wealthy middle class of people who had capitalist minds and were motivated to venture into politics hence resulting to an end to the dictatorial leadership and bringing about democracy among the citizens.
Work Cited
ALLEN, R. C. "Why the Industrial Revolution was British: Commerce, Induced Invention, and Scientific Revolution1". The Economic History Review 64.2 (2011): 357-384. Web.
McNeil, Ben. The Clean Industrial Revolution. Crows Nest, N.S.W.: Allen & Unwin, 2009. Print.
van Neuss, Leif. "Why did the Industrial Revolution start in Britain?". SSRN Electronic Journal n. pag. Web.
