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Industrial Revolution

What is the Industrial Revolution?

The industrial revolution was when societies became more urbanized and industrialized. In the 18th century, inventions were being created that helped change the world. For example, electricity or the steam engine. The revolution began in Great Britain and then spread to the rest of the world. People started using new materials like steel and iron, they also invented new energy sources. Inventing machines that helped create more with less human energy. Workers stopped using their hands to do work and instead developed the skills to operate machines.

Expanding the Industrial Revolution

Overtime, the British started exporting goods, machines and people. They spread to less industrialized nations. First Belgium, then France became quickly industrialized. However, some nations, for example Germany, didn't start industrial expansion until there was unity. The New World began becoming industrialized in the 19th century. The industrial revolution was a large and fast change that took over nations of the world. "If you go back to 1800, everybody was poor. I mean everybody. The Industrial Revolution kicked in, and a lot of countries benefited, but by no means everyone." Bill Gates

Positives

Negatives

Goods became more affordable
Since they were a lot more being created, the price was lower
Goods became more accessible
Since goods were being produced in higher quantities in a shorter amount of time, there were more available
More jobs
Factory jobs were available for anyone who was able to operate a machine
New inventions
The new technology made it easier to manufacture things that would normally be handmade
Advanced technology
New machines, energy sources, and medicine were being created

Overpopulation
People began to move to industrialized nations for better lives and wealth, these area became over populated.
Pollution
With all the new technology and population, the environment became significantly worse
Working conditions
Since so many people could do factory jobs, the pay was really low and the circumstances were dangerous and unhealthy
Habits
People began to stop doing field work and people began eating processed foods.

The Steam Engine

The steam engine was invented to create energy from steam. In 1698 Thomas Savery tried using a pump with hand-operated valves to raise water from mines by suction produced by condensing steam. In 1712, Thomas Newcomen, created a more efficient steam engine. Around 50 years later, James Watt improved the Newcomen engine. Watt then developed a new engine and improved that machine.

The Steam Engine

Watt's steam engine was one the most useful inventions during the industrial revolution. His steam engine became an energy source for iron, paper, cotton and flour mills. Watt researched and help create other things but the steam engine was his only solo invention. He grew up in Scotland but spent time in England. He was an engineer and inventor.