Industrial Revolution Notes

• Where did the Industrial Revolution start originally?

  Britain
• What two factors made the revolution possible?

  1. There was a better control of disease which led to fewer children dying at an early age which means a larger workforce.
  2. There were advancements in agriculture which made food production less labor intensive, meaning less need for farmers.
• What is the major invention that starts the revolution? Who invented it?

  Steam engine, by James Watt (originally by Newcomen)
• List the invention of each of the following British inventors:

  • Richard Arkwright: Water-powered spinning frame
  • Henry Cort: Improved steel-making process
  • John Smeaton: Concrete
  • William Murdoch: Gas lighting
  • John Fowler: Steam plough
• What is the major invention that starts the industrial revolution in America? Who invented it?

  Cotton gin, by Eli Whitney in 1793
• What does this invention do?

  Eliminates the problem of separating cotton seeds from fibers
• What effect does it have on America?

  Doubles production from 1814-1815; widespread growth of cotton farming.
• Where was the "cotton belt?"

  Spanned from North Carolina to Louisiana
• How does the farm change in this time period?

  Family farms become commercial farms, mass production of agricultural products
• List the major products found in the following places:

  • Georgia and South Carolina: Rice
  • Louisiana: Sugar
  • Middle States: Wheat
  • New England: Fruit/vegetables; poultry/dairy
  • Most states: Pork and beef
• What becomes the major industry in America?

  Manufacturing
• What happens to skilled craftsmen?

  They become obsolete; improved machinery = mass production
• How do interchangeable parts affect production?

  Interchangeable parts made production quicker
• The industrial revolution causes what other revolution in America?

  The Transportation Revolution
• Why was this revolution necessary?

  America needed to promote interstate commerce
• How does the steam engine impact this revolution?

  Steam engine led to the introduction of the steamboat and locomotive; crucial to the development of American corporations.