Industrialisation 1750-1914

• Wave 1: 1780s-1820s


  • Introduction of steam engines and mechanization
  • Development of factories and mass production
  • Shift from small workshops to large-scale manufacturing
• Wave 1: British Leadership


  Britain was the first to industrialize, with the introduction of new machines and factories
• Wave 1: Belgium


  Belgium also industrialized, with a focus on textiles and metallurgy
• Wave 2: 1840s-1870s


  • Increased use of steam engines and mechanization
  • Development of railways and transportation systems
  • Growth of cities and urbanization
• Wave 2: Followers


  Other European countries, such as France, Germany, and Italy, began to industrialize
• Wave 3: 1890s-1900s


  • Introduction of new technologies, such as electricity and automobiles
  • Development of heavy industry, such as steel and chemicals
  • Increased global trade and economic integration
• Wave 3: Laggard Economies


  Russia and Italy: These countries were slower to industrialize, but eventually caught up
• These three waves of industrialisation transformed Europe from an agrarian society to an industrial and urban society
• Britain took the lead in industrialization because it had:

  1. Resources close to the sea: Britain had access to coal, iron, and other resources that were easily transported to factories.
  2. Labor surplus: Britain had a large population that was not needed for agriculture, so they could work in factories.
  3. Political stability: Britain had a stable government that supported private investments and trade.
  4. Open for private investments: Britain allowed private investors to start factories and mines, which helped drive industrialization.
• Belgium, on the other hand, industrialized early because it had:

  1. Proto-industrial productivity: Belgium had a strong tradition of craftsmanship and manufacturing, which laid the groundwork for industrialization.
  2. Close cotton trading partner with Britain: Belgium traded cotton with Britain, which helped Belgium develop its textile industry.
  3. Natural resources: coal and iron.
  4. Strategic location: Belgium was located near the North Sea
  5. Many rivers: made it easy to transport goods and resources.
• the role of national governments in the three waves of industrialization: the 1st wave of industrialization in Britain and Belgium was driven by private enterprise, while the 2nd and 3rd waves in other European countries involved active government support and planning to encourage industrial development. The success of these efforts varied across countries.
• Industrialization

  • Significant impact on the organization of the family
  • Led to changes in working conditions
  • Led to changes in leisure time
  • Led to changes in family structure
• Poor Working Conditions

  • Long hours
  • Unsafe factories
  • Child labor
  • Urban living conditions
  • ->Led to a decline in family life
• Social Impact


  • Industrialization changed the way people spent their leisure time
  • Concept of the weekend emerging
• Shifts in Workers' Demands


  • Initially demanded better working conditions
  • Later sought a 40-hour workweek
• Organization of the Family

  • Nuclear family became the ideal
  • Conflicted with the reality of labor-class families
• Child Labor


  • Children worked alongside family members in factories
  • As specialization increased, they were often supervised by unknown foremen
• Gender Trouble


  • Women's presence in factories drove down wages
  • Led to harassment and abuse
• Adolescence


  • Period between childhood and adulthood
  • Time of growing demand for mandatory education
  • Driven by middle-class ideals
• The third wave of industrialization started at the turn of the 20th century and lasted through World War II. During this time, there was rapid technological advancements, particularly in areas like aviation, electronics, and nuclear energy. There was also growing emphasis on mass production techniques and standardization of products.
• The second wave of industrialization began around 1840 and continued until the end of the 19th century. During this time, there was further expansion in existing industries and the emergence of new ones, including chemical production, electrical engineering, and petroleum refining. There was also increasing international competition among nations.
• The first wave of industrialization occurred between 1760 and 1840, during this time there was significant growth in industries like textiles, iron production, and mining. This period saw the emergence of modern factory systems and the use of steam power. It also led to increased mechanization and specialization of labor.