Industrial Revolution
What were some important changes that were brought from the Industrial Revolution?
1. Invention of machines to do the work of hand tools
2. Use of steam and other kinds of power
3. The factory system
The __________ enabled one person to handle a wide loom more rapidly than two people can operate. It was a pivotal advancement in the mechanisation of weaving.
Flying shuttle
How did the steam engine fuel the expansion of different industries?
- Key driver of growth in coal mining as it required large amounts of coal to operate.
- Fueled expansion of the iron industry as it needed components made out of iron
- Allowed factories and mills to be located anywhere, not just near water for water power ---> growth of industrial production
- Also enabled the development of steam-powered transportation (ex. railroads and steamships) which facilitated global trade
Negative consequences of the steam engine?
- Pollution: Burned large amounts of coal which contributed to air and water pollution. Co2 and smoke emitting from the engines let to poor air quality and unhealthy living situations in industrial cities.
- Child labor: Growth of factories and industries powered by steam engines created high demand for cheap labor, leading to exploitation of children who were forced to work long hours in dangerous conditions.
- Worker exploitation: Let to exploitation of adult workers as well, with poor working conditions and low pay --> led to job losses and the rise of labor movements to address the negative consequences on the workers.
Pros of industrial rev?
- Increased productivity and efficacy in industries such as mining and textiles through the use of steam engines and other machines
- Mass production of goods making them more affordable and accessible to the average person
- Development of labor-saving inventions and improvement of communication through the telegraph
- Improvement of transportation through railroads and steamships leading to the expansion of global trade
Cons of industrial rev?
- Caused severe pollution and environmental damage such as deforestation due to the rapid growth of factories and the burning of coal
- Led to the exploitation of workers, child labor, poor working conditions, low wages
- Overcrowding of cities and towns which were unprepared to handle so many migrants who wanted jobs
- Economic inequalities between the working class and the wealthy industrialists
I automated the process of separating cotton fibers from their seed which fueled the growth of the textile industry. Which technology am I?
Cotton Gin
I allowed rapid long-distance communication, transforming business and social interactions. Which technology am I?
The telegraph
I dramatically increased the speed and efficacy of textile production and allowed factories to produce cheaper cloth than handweavers. Which technology am I?
The power loom