Industrial Revolution

• A revolution is a fundamental change in power or organisational structures, that takes place in a relatively short period of time
• Industrial revolution is a fundamental change in the ways of production, from human labour to machines
• Why the Industrial Revolution started in Britain?

  • Political stability - Governmental policies made it easy for commerce to take place and taxes were low
  • Geographical Location - Britain ideally placed for trade and had a mature sea-trade, building up colonies to provide cheap raw materials and sold to European markets. Profit then paid for slaves
  • Rise in Population - Population rose dramatically, caused by more and better food and health care and resulted in higher demand for everything
• Why did the Industrial Revolution start in Britain?

  • Raw Materials - Raw materials were in abundance (from colonies), also transportation made easier to transport raw materials across Britain (steam engines)
  • Agricultural Revolution - Mid 17th to late 19th century, increase in food production, farming became more profitable and land owners had spare cash to support other projects
  • Inventions and Innovations - the development of new inventions in Britain, which helped industry to grow and develop
• Why did countries expand?

  • God - Religion: Christianity, Spreading religious beliefs & Missionaries and Humanitarian work
  • Gold - Money, trade routes, resources & markets
  • Glory - Pride of a country, competition, military power & belief of own superior culture