Ancient and Medieval Period Industrial Revolution

Introduction

The industrial revolution is a period through which widespread development occurs. Most well-developed countries have reached prosperity through the industrial revolution. It is a time when economies transform from conventional handicraft economies to using machines to get the job done. The machine increases efficiency and accelerates work output. 

Industrial revolution definition

The industrial revolution is based on transformation. It focuses on improving the economy by increasing its GDP. Technological advances in machines led to the transition to machine manufacturing.

The process started first in Britain in the 18th century. The advancements in machine technology helped employees to maintain a proper work-life balance. The term industrial revolution meaning is popularized by economist Arnold Toynbee.

The industrial revolution started in Asian countries like India and China in the 20th century. The delay is due to the previous history of colonization by the Europeans. However, it started in 19 th century in countries like the US and Europe.

Industrial revolution meaning

The industrial revolution meant advancement in technology, economy, and culture. This involved the following

• Development of faster and more efficient manufacturing processes
• Use of better raw materials
• Channelize energy from new sources like coal, petroleum, and steam.
• Machinery that requires minimum human effort
• Mass production of goods

The industrial revolution also comes with advancements in agriculture and food production. It made it possible to supply food and produce to a large group of non-agricultural population. The industrial revolution reduced the wealth disparity between individuals. It ensured everyone had enough to live a decent life.

The industrial revolution states that in addition to economic growth it also brought about social changes and cultural transformations. Humans developed skills that made them more organized and productive. They become trained to utilize resources better and they mastered their skills

Initiation of the industrial revolution

When it started, the growth was confined in Britain. Britain was a superpower at the time. Their superiority made them stop the exports of machinery and labor. At the time, the British had a dictatorship over trade. Seeing opportunities outside Britain, businessmen started moving out to other European nations.

The first country to reach economic prosperity was Belgium when Britain came in. The Belgium industry was based on iron and coal mining. They also traded textiles.

France was rather slow to become an economy. When industrialization started in other European countries,  France was engulfed in riots and revolution. Once they achieved a stable government. The French also became industrial giants.

The European countries that had slow growth are mainly due to political instability. Germany became the number one steel producer and chemical industry. 

The first Asian country to join the race was Japan.

Social Changes brought by the industrial revolution

The industrial revolution brought widespread social changes

• When the revolution started laborers were ill-treated. Their living condition was poor and miserable
• The production process was expensive. Only the wealthy could afford the products
• The jobs offered no security
• Labors often get displaced to different work sites without notice
• No laws and policies to protect laborers
• Long working hours

Despite miserable work conditions, several innovations happened that helped people produce more and travel, and communicate faster.

The industrial revolution in India

The transition for India to industrialization was rather slow.  Under British rule, India was a handicraft economy. The craftsmanship Indians made local production attain global acclaim. Since production was slow, Indians failed to keep up with the demand.

India’s industries were famous for jewelry and brass. Their ivory and wood carvings are still in demand. India remained an export country during the period as no other country produced items like these.

The traditional crafts in India had a lot of buyers. The British try to undermine the predominant trades for their selfish interests. They imposed restrictions on the price and export of cotton and silk. They levied heavy taxes for the produce.

The British purchased Indian products and sold them at higher rates. During the second world war, the Indian economy was under stress due to demand for supply war goods. During the period most industries reported low output.

India witnessed industrialization post Independence. The leaders opened the economy in stages as it was crippled due to colonialism. Now India has grown to an IT hub and it is gradually developing.

Conclusion

The industrial revolution is the road to a country’s prosperity. It improves the standard of living of individuals. All the luxuries that we enjoy today are due to industrialization. Initially, the working conditions were miserable and everyone lived in poverty. Some countries that were reluctant to open up their economy to industrialists had slow growth. Industrialization has created superpower countries. Superpower countries pose dominance over sectors of education, trade, and healthcare.