What Was The Industrial Revolution?

Improved standard of living by the average citizen - this is the first thing that comes to mind when people try to answer the question, "What was the Industrial Revolution?"

The Industrial Revolution first came to life in the United Kingdom. After that, Europe got wind of it, and eventually, the United States. The Industrial Revolution, period of which is a subject of contention among historians, is divided into two parts - the first and second Industrial Revolution. However, if one would sum it up, it could be said that it fell within the period 1760 to 1830, taking into account the gradual improvement of technology from the first to the second part.

The Industrial Revolution was propelled by the birth of machineries. Whereas before, with feudal system, most of the labor done was manual, this time the one "sweating" were machines. With machines gaining popularity, production of various goods increased. The use of assembly lines became less and less, while use of machines became rampant among manufacturers as they saw that machines were faster and tireless.

The mining industry also welcomed what was the industrial revolution and everything that went with it. The ability to dig from top to bottom was something that can't be done prior this period, yet it was made possible with all the machineries that mine owners were able to gain access to. Working conditions then were very poor. But they slowly improved with the arrival of the benefits of the Industrial Revolution.

The transportation industry was likewise impacted and. likewise, had a huge impact during this period. Improved roads, waterways, and railroad systems enabled the movement of raw materials from various sources to the manufacturers, and consequently, the transfer of finished goods to their different destinations. In addition, it enabled businessmen to conduct their business in places outside their origins as they were able to move from one place to another relatively faster than before.

Understandably, the financial world played a big role in the increased overall economic activity. Business was good for everyone everywhere. Everyone was earning more, business owners and incomes earners alike. People had more money to spend. As such, the economic activity was abuzz. Everyone got an experience of what was the industrial revolution.

Prior the Industrial Revolution, the gaps between social statuses were apparent, wide even. But the emergence of this period in the economic history marked a transformation in people's social standing, in their socioeconomic behavior, and eventually, their culture. It has never before been seen in the past economic periods.

People got to spend on their ideal lifestyles - sumptuous meals, grand houses, luxurious cars, frequent travels - whatever fits their fancy. Never had people felt prosperous and secure than during the time of what was the industrial revolution. Before this period, progress is only felt by the country. But this time around, it was felt even by the average income earner.

And like all things good, knowledge about the industrial revolution got transferred at a fast rate. Because of the people's mobility, especially for those with extensive work experience, they could easily transfer from one place to another if they felt that there were greener pastures out there. They had the money to uproot themselves and move to another location. They already had the technical know-how to back them up. Getting accepted in other jobs wasn't difficult, if they weren't already poached or pirated.

So, whether directly or indirectly, many, if not all, experienced an alleviated standard of living during what was the Industrial Revolution. Countless historical accounts have been made by many a people about this period that it boggles the mind. It is an event that will never be forgotten however much time passes by.

Websites For Learning All About the Industrial Revolution

  1. Between a Rock and a Hard Place
  2. Child Labour in the 19th Century
  3. The Chronology of Textiles and Fiber Arts in New Mexico
  4. A History of Cotton Mills and the Industrial Revolution
  5. Industrial Revolution
  6. Lectures on The Industrial Revolution in England
  7. The Linen Story
  8. Medieval Cloth Trade in Flanders & Artois
  9. No Idle Hands, The Social History of American Knitting