The Industrial Revolution: Causes, Factors, and Impact
The Industrial Revolution
Why England, Not France, and Why the Late 18th Century?
The Industrial Revolution occurred in England, not France, due to several factors. England had a stronger focus on building machinery and possessed a greater number of skilled engineers compared to France. This was partly due to significant immigration from Ireland. England’s large exports of metallurgical and cotton goods (over 50 million yards of cotton, 17 million in bone mechanical, and almost 50 million tons of coal) made it the workshop of the world, with an annual value of 170 million pounds.
The late 18th century marked a turning point in human history, with a surge in productive power, known by economists as ‘take-off’ into self-sustained growth.
Unlike England, France had a state-controlled economy, limiting citizens’ economic choices. France focused on scientific advancements, while England prioritized technical industry. The English people had the freedom to choose how and with whom they traded, fostering industrial growth.
Explanations Minimized by the Author
The author minimizes or dismisses the following:
- Demands for textiles, food, beverages, and household utensils, arguing they were used by too few people.
- Derived demand for cotton, construction, and other activities in new industrial zones (machinery, chemical advances, industrial lighting, ships, etc.).
Three Key Factors of the Industrial Revolution
A) The ‘Take-Off’
The ‘take-off’ was not a sudden event but a culmination of a long prehistory in Europe, with early attempts at industrialization dating back centuries. The economy began to take off.
B) British Legal and Political Conditions
Britain had a more favorable legal environment, with a history of holding the monarchy accountable. The private benefit of economic development was accepted as a primary objective of government policy.
C) The Cotton Industry
Despite not being the highest quality, English cotton was the best-selling worldwide. With over 80 million yards sold in Africa and Asia, and 529 million in underdeveloped areas, it generated the highest revenue for Britain.
Role in Capitalism
A) The ‘Take-Off’
The ‘take-off’ represents the initial, albeit awkward, step in the Industrial Revolution and a key part of capitalism.
B) British Liberal Politics
British liberal policies, emphasizing individual producers, were essential for global production and trade. This led to England being called ‘the workshop of the world’.
C) The Cotton Industry
The cotton industry was crucial for England’s economic capital income, benefiting both England and the world. England capitalized on this by selling goods at high prices.
Why the Cotton Industry Initiated Capitalism
As England’s largest export, the cotton industry was a major economic driver. It dominated British foreign trade and influenced the country’s overall economy. In 1814, Britain exported 4 yards of fabric for every three consumers within the country. By 1850, this had increased to thirteen for every eight (Africa and Asia consumed 80 million yards in 1840, Europe 200 million, and underdeveloped areas 529 million).
Investment in the loom multiplied cotton production, leading to more outsourcing and giving England total market control and profits.