Describe the spread of the Industrial Revolution from the 18th to the 19th century.

Social Studies · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

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The Industrial Revolution, which began in Great Britain in the late 18th century, was a period of major industrialization that spread throughout many parts of the world. It marked a shift from agrarian economies to those dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. Its spread from the 18th to the 19th century can be described in several key stages:

1. Origins in Great Britain (late 1700s): The Industrial Revolution started in Great Britain due to a combination of factors, including the availability of capital, the presence of a vast colonial empire, and a series of inventions that improved manufacturing processes, such as the spinning jenny and the steam engine.

2. Diffusion to Western Europe and the United States (early to mid-1800s): As the 19th century progressed, the Industrial Revolution spread to neighboring countries in Western Europe, such as France, Germany, and Belgium. Each country adapted the technological innovations to its own resources and needs. Meanwhile, the United States, with its vast natural resources and growing population, began industrializing with developments in the textile industry and the expansion of the railroad network.

3. Further Expansion (mid to late 1800s): Industrialization continued to expand to more regions in Europe and the United States, powered by advancements such as the telegraph, the steel industry, and electrical power. During this period, industrial cities grew rapidly, and the landscape of work and society changed dramatically.

4. Global Reach (late 1800s to early 1900s): By the late 19th century and early 20th century, the effects of the Industrial Revolution were being felt worldwide. Industrialization began to take root in Japan, Russia, and parts of the Ottoman Empire. The global economy started to become more interconnected due to advancements in transportation, such as steamships and railways, and communication technologies.

Throughout this period, the spread of industrialization brought significant social, economic, and cultural changes, including urbanization, the development of new classes such as the industrial working class and the bourgeoisie, and changes in family structure and work patterns.

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