From Agrarian Revolution to Modern Industry
The Agrarian Revolution (200 years)
What is it?
- Machinery
- Fertilizers
- Plant rotation (fallow land) does not deplete the soil & increases productivity, leading to higher production and lower mortality. Consequently, there’s more work and rural exodus.
| Population Engaged in Agriculture | Techniques Used | Productivity |
|---|---|---|
| Developed Countries | Less than 5% of the active population | High, thanks to technical progress |
| Underdeveloped Countries | 80% of workers | Low, insufficient to meet nutritional needs |
Fishing
| Location | Fishing Devices | Target Species | Vessel Size | Trip Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coastal fishing | Traditional methods: Harpoons, hooks, etc. | Small fish species | Small vessels | A few hours |
| Coastal fishing | Various methods | Small and medium-sized fish | Small and medium-sized vessels | One day |
| Deep-sea fishing | Modern technical devices | Various species | High-capacity vessels | A month or more |
Livestock
| Type | Feed | Facilities | Technology Level | Farm Size | Productivity | Production Goal | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extensive | Grass | None | Low | Large | Small | Family | Developed and underdeveloped |
| Intensive | Straw and milk | Light and food | Good | Relatively high | Small | Sale | Developed |
Energy
Energy sources and industrial processes are known to transport supplies using the force of natural resources. Thanks to energy sources, we have the necessities for our everyday lives (light, heat, etc.). Energy is, therefore, essential to our lives.
| Craft Workshops (Pre-industrial) | Modern Industry | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | At home (home-workshops) | Factories |
| Machinery | Simple tools | Advanced technological machines |
| Productivity | Small | High |
| Energy Sources | Coal/Crafts | Oil |
| Number of Employees | Family | More than ten |
OPEC and Alternative Energies
5. What is OPEC and what is its purpose? Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Oil-producing countries are trying to regulate and control the market.
6. How is oil transported? Some systems are pipe networks, gas pipelines, and specialized tankers.
7. Why are oil and natural gas being exhausted? They are non-renewable resources.
8. Why is oil consumption increasing in some countries (e.g., China)? What impact will this have in the future? Due to industrialization. Increased consumption will raise the price and reduce production.
9. Why doesn’t OPEC want oil prices to increase uncontrollably? Prices are already high due to the crisis.
Alternative Energies:
- Biomass: Using urban and rural waste to generate electricity by burning gases produced during decomposition.
- Wind Energy: Using the force of the wind with giant windmills connected to a power generator.
- Solar Energy: Generating electricity from solar radiation, especially used in homes.
- Geothermal Energy: Using the Earth’s internal heat for heating or generating electricity.
- Tidal Energy: Using the movement of waves and tides to generate electricity.
The Industrial Revolution
250 years ago, our society was based on agriculture, and there were no factories. The Industrial Revolution changed everything.
Industrial Revolution: The process of change from a traditional, agriculture-based economy to one based on machines and industry.
Current Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution created many companies that cannot compete in today’s globalized economy. A new industrial revolution is happening, driven by high-technology industries like microelectronics, computing, telecommunications, biotechnology, and new materials. These industries employ few but highly skilled workers. While these new industries thrive, traditional industries (steel, textiles, shipbuilding) face a crisis.
Traditional Industry: Founded after the industrial revolution, located in industrial estates.
Industrial Estate: Areas with factories and warehouses, located outside cities with good communication links.
Technology Park: Areas for innovative business creation and development, located in privileged areas near big cities, with modern, high-quality facilities and gardens.