Changes And Continuities During The Industrial Revolution

Many changes and continuities made up the era known as the Industrial Revolution, specifically in Britain, from the 1790 to the mid-19th century. Characteristics of the country’s economic, political, and social factors were affected by the advancements of the revolution. Continuities included Britain’s position as a major political power, and changes were in the living conditions of the poor within the great country. Combined, these changes and continuities helped Britain into the era industrialization, and later the world. Many continuities in the political, economic, and social aspects of the industrializing Britain remained from previous endeavors and continued into the revolution era. An economic continuity would be Britain’s position

This remained true due to many of the colonies under Britain’s control provided the motherland with major profit coming from the cultivation of cash crops such as cotton and sugar cane. Another continuity, in terms of society, remained within the motherland’s borders: the living conditions of the lower class. Before the Industrial revolution, those who were not part of the upper class suffered through constant poverty and starvation. When the great boom of automation came with the revolution, many moved to large factory cities in order to work due to room and board offered by employers. However, low wages did not provide a better life for workers and their families. This resulted in children, especially any above the age of 5, becoming a major source of labor, also thanks to their small size and increased stamina. Due to inadequate labor laws and conditions, many died while working which resulted in even less productive members, and even less income for the family. Finally, a political continuity concerning Britain would be its influence in Europe, especially in terms of the

This change occurred over time due to new inventions, such as the water frame and the power loom, coming into high usage within factories. The creation of sought-after products increased dramatically as raw materials from colonies were brought to Britain to be processed and formed into items such as clothing. These items made a profit through being sold back to the colonies, who were behind the motherland in industrialization. With the coming of new technology and ideas also come with social changes. Women, formerly bound to household chores and child-care, were now able to work in factories and usually male-dominated areas. This change occurred due to the major workforce needed to match the rapid demand for goods, and the major availability of the raw materials required for their creation. Though women were still paid much less than their male counterparts and were still considered below them, their hiring was a major step in the revolution that would move beyond the revolution era, and even into the Industrial Revolution of the United States. Political change was also a major part of the revolution, with the decline of British aristocracy. The change was caused by the notion of land wealth and familial ties equating to importance diminishing, in contrast, the importance of urban wealth and