The Industrial Revolution: Causes and Phases
What do we call the Industrial Revolution? In the 18th century, a series of revolutionary changes took place that affected all sectors of the economy and society. Population growth, as well as transformations in agriculture, forms of production, banking, trade and transport boosted the development of modern industry.
Phases of the Industrial Revolution
- The First Industrial Revolution. The process began around 1760 in Great Britain, where numerous textile and steel factories were built. The developments soon spread to other countries.
- The Second Industrial Revolution. A second phase with different characteristics began around 1870.
Population Growth
The English population grew slowly until the 18th century as both the birth rate and the death rate were high. In the second half of the 18th century, there was high and sustained population growth. The birth rate remained high, but the death rate decreased for several reasons:
Reasons for Decreased Death Rate
- Nutrition improved. This made the population more resistant to illness. It was possible thanks to advances in agriculture and changes in people’s diets. Corn and potatoes became staple foods.
- Public health. In 1796, Edward Jenner discovered the vaccine for smallpox, a disease with a high mortality rate. New hospitals were also built in this period.
- Personal and public hygiene. People began to wear cotton clothes, which were easier to wash. There was better access to clean drinking water.
- Fewer epidemics. Frequent in the early Modern Age, they began to cause fewer deaths.
Population growth produced increased demand for agricultural and industrial products. It also meant that more workers were available to fill all the new jobs in factories.
The Agricultural Revolution
The increased demand for food led to innovations in agriculture and livestock farming.
Improvements in Farming Techniques
- The Norfolk system (the four-field system of crop rotation) replaced the fallow-land system.
- The iron plough replaced the wooden plough.
- New machines were introduced, such as seeders, threshers, and mechanical harvesters.
Changes in Land Ownership
- The liberal revolutions ended the system of nobility-owned and communal land. The land became private property.
- The bourgeoisie invested in farmland to try to make a profit from it.
Changes in Livestock Farming
- Part of the land was used to produce fodder to feed livestock, so livestock numbers increased.
Agricultural production grew throughout the 18th century. Farmers obtained higher incomes and were able to save money and accumulate capital. Some invested these savings in industry or banking.
Other Factors
Apart from demographic growth and the changes in agriculture, other factors favoured economic growth.
The Existence of Large Markets
- The UK had a strong domestic market, with good infrastructure and no customs duties.
- It sold its goods in its overseas colonies.
- The considerable profits were invested in industry.
The Mentality of the Bourgeoisie
- Interested in investment and profit-seeking, the British bourgeoisie was able to take business risks.
- Parliament, dominated by the middle classes, passed laws favourable to business.
An Abundance of Iron and Coal Deposits
- There were numerous mining operations in the UK that provided iron and coal to start up new factories.
- Many factories were built next to the mines.
