Industrial Revolution DBQ Essay

As the eighteenth century roared into existence, a rapidly growing Great Britain was faced with both an exponential commercial and population boom that was unprecedented. It is during this brief one hundred years that the nation, as well as the rest of the world, would be forever changed due to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. While the Industrial Revolution was liberating in the sense that it gave more occupational choices , as well as the opportunity to move up the rungs of the social ladder through relocation and financial gains, it also brought regulations that had to be put in place. As commerce and trade began to expand, both domestically and abroad through colonial outposts, taxation also saw a parallel increase to not only

However, these tariffs and taxes were not accepted without challenge, as many merchants believed that the restrictions were without warrant. With revenue to acquire, and regulations to maneuver around, the smuggling industry evolved from a black market business, to profitable occupation that would take the nation by storm. Analysis of documents from this century reveal through the illegal trade of brandy, wool, and other goods, acts of Parliament were opposed head on by members of the working class looking to to capitalize on the economic growth.

In order to understand the smuggler, it is imperative to understand the demand for those willing risk their livelihoods in order to secretly move goods in and out of the country. Documents such as Acts of Parliament explicitly explain the prevention of “ the Exportation of Wool, Wood-fellas, and of the Tools and Utensils used in the Woolen manufacturer” from leaving the shores of Britain and Ireland, to other

Similar the the textile material, the importing and exporting of brandy and gin was also heavily monitored as Great Britain attempted to monopolize the beverages by having them only shipped through the country itself. Deriving from East India, brandy products were highly valued by people both foreign and domestic, and were paid for in high currency. While the smuggling of woolen products was done by small scale self employers looking to capitalize on the demand for the goods, brandy and gin running was truly a well oiled gise. In a document written by the Honorable Court of Directors of the East India Company, there is a call to action concerning the “illegal trade” of brandy, wine, and other goods that was occurring within the company itself. The problem was not in the docking and shipping of brandy itself, as all were done legally under the umbrella of the Crown. The problem that arose, was when these ships, stocked for London, departed from their foreign ports. According to the text, an “Act of Parliament passed in the seventeenth year of the reign of King George” is what stirred the commotion on the high seas. It was while sailing that trades and smuggling would occur with ships from within the East India Company, in order to transport the illegal contraband to other bidders. Similar to the Acts passed by Parliament on wool running, the East India company also sought