The Industrial Revolution in Britain
In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, Britain underwent an industrial revolution. This was a time when new technologies and ideas transformed the economy, from one based on agriculture and manual labor to one based on industry and machine production. One of the most important changes during this time was the development of factories.
Reasons for the Development of Factories in Britain
Factories developed for a number of reasons. First, Britain had a large population of potential workers. Second, the country had a plentiful supply of raw materials, such as coal and iron. Third, new technologies, such as the steam engine, made it possible to power factories. Fourth, entrepreneurs saw the opportunity to make money by investing in factories.
The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on British Society
Factory production had a number of effects on British society. First, it led to the growth of cities. As factories attracted workers from the countryside, the population of urban areas increased. Second, it resulted in the rise of a new class of people, the factory workers. These workers were often paid low wages and worked long hours in difficult and dangerous conditions. Third, it led to the growth of a new middle class, made up of factory owners and managers. This class became very wealthy, while the working class remained poor. Fourth, the industrial revolution led to the development of new social institutions, such as trade unions. These institutions were created to protect the rights of workers and to improve their working conditions. Finally, the industrial revolution had a major impact on the environment. The growth of factories led to pollution of the air and water, and the deforestation of the countryside.