Want to get back to the overview of the 1750 – 1900 CE section?
1750 – 1900 CE OVERVIEW
AP WORLD HISTORY HOMEPAGE
The Industrial Revolution brought technological advancements that changed the world in many ways. Farming became more efficient, so fewer farmers were needed. People moved to the city to work in factories, and the cities grew. At first, women and children had to work in the factories to make enough money for a family to survive. As labor unions grew in response to poor factory conditions, men started making enough money for their wives and children to stay home. Read the Google Slides to learn all about how the Industrial Revolution affected people’s lives and beliefs.
Industry and Imperialism
The link between industry and imperialism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was straightforward: industrialization drove the need for raw materials and markets. As industries grew, so did the demand for resources like minerals and rubber, prompting imperial powers to expand into Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Industrialized nations sought colonies to secure these resources and establish markets for their manufactured goods. Moreover, the industrial revolution played a pivotal role in the development of superior weapons, giving imperial powers a military advantage in their quest for dominance. This connection between industry and advanced weaponry not only fueled imperial expansion but also contributed to lasting global impacts, shaping economic disparities and geopolitical tensions that endure today.
Agriculture in the Industrial Revolution
The Second Agricultural Revolution of the 1700s marked a transformative era in farming practices. New crops from the Americas, like corn and potatoes, offered higher yields and improved nutrition, contributing to population growth. Simultaneously, technological advancements revolutionized agriculture. The introduction of chemical fertilizers enhanced soil fertility, while machines for plowing, seeding, and reaping drastically increased efficiency. With these innovations, farmers could cultivate larger tracts of land, meeting the demands of a growing population. The surplus in agricultural production not only fed more people but also facilitated urbanization, as individuals migrated from rural areas to cities in pursuit of new economic opportunities. This period of agricultural innovation laid the groundwork for the broader societal changes that characterized the Industrial Revolution, shaping the course of history in the 18th century and beyond.
Enclosure
The enclosure of British farming lands, a transformative process during the 18th and 19th centuries, involved the consolidation and privatization of previously communal or open-field lands. Driven by a quest for agricultural efficiency and economic incentives, landowners enclosed small, scattered plots into larger, consolidated farms. This restructuring was facilitated by the adoption of new technologies like the seed drill and improved plowing methods. While aimed at increasing productivity to meet the demands of a growing population, the enclosure process resulted in the displacement of small farmers and rural communities. As a consequence, it spurred urbanization as people migrated to cities in search of work, contributing to early industrialization. The legal reforms that accompanied this shift regulated land use and property rights, formalizing the privatization of land. Enclosure, therefore, not only transformed the agricultural landscape but also had profound social and economic implications, shaping the trajectory of British society during this period.
Urbanization During the Industrial Revolution
The Second Agricultural Revolution in Europe during the 1700s brought about substantial urbanization, driven by a convergence of factors. Technological advancements in agriculture, such as the introduction of new crops with higher yields and improved farming machinery, increased agricultural productivity. This surplus, coupled with the enclosure of lands, led to rural-to-urban migration as displaced farmers sought employment in expanding industries. The shift from subsistence to commercial agriculture prompted economic growth, attracting more people to urban centers. The rise of factories and the growth of trade further fueled this migration, creating employment opportunities in cities. Over time, the sizes of cities swelled as more individuals moved from rural areas, transforming them into bustling centers of industry and commerce. In 1800, only twenty cities in Europe had populations greater than 100,000. One hundred years later, over 150 cities surpassed 100,000 residents. The city of London had over six million people.
The Domestic System
The domestic system, also known as the putting-out system, was a method of production that emerged in the 18th century, predating the factory system of the Industrial Revolution. In this system, work was decentralized, and various stages of production were carried out in individual homes or small workshops. The domestic system was particularly prominent in the textile industry.
In the context of textile production, the domestic system involved tasks such as spinning and weaving being performed by individual households or small groups of workers. Merchants or entrepreneurs provided raw materials to these workers and then collected the finished goods for sale. This system allowed for a degree of flexibility in working hours and enabled rural populations to engage in manufacturing without having to relocate to urban centers.
The domestic system played a crucial role in the early phases of industrialization, especially in textile production, before the widespread adoption of factory-based manufacturing. As technological advancements and the demand for increased production efficiency grew, the domestic system eventually gave way to the factory system, where manufacturing processes were centralized in large-scale industrial facilities.
Technological Advancements in the Cotton Industry
The 18th century witnessed significant technological innovations in the cotton and cloth industry in England, laying the foundation for the later Industrial Revolution.
Flying Shuttle (1733): Invented by John Kay, the flying shuttle was a mechanized device for weaving that significantly increased the speed at which cloth could be woven. This innovation marked a crucial step in improving the efficiency of the weaving process.
Spinning Jenny (1764): Invented by James Hargreaves, the Spinning Jenny was a multi-spindle spinning frame that allowed a single worker to operate multiple spindles simultaneously. This innovation revolutionized the spinning process, increasing yarn production and efficiency.
Water Frame (1769): Developed by Richard Arkwright, the water frame was a water-powered spinning frame that further enhanced the spinning process. It provided a continuous, reliable source of power, allowing for larger-scale textile production.
Power Loom (1784): Invented by Edmund Cartwright, the power loom automated the weaving process. It was one of the first machines to be driven by steam power, significantly increasing the speed and output of the weaving process.
Cotton Gin (1793): Although primarily associated with the American South, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin had a profound impact on the cotton industry globally. It automated the separation of cotton fibers from seeds, making cotton processing faster and more efficient.
The Steam Engine
The invention of the steam engine, a pivotal moment in industrial history, involved the contributions of several innovators. Thomas Newcomen’s early steam engine, developed in the early 18th century, was rudimentary but marked a starting point for harnessing steam power. James Watt’s improvements in the 1760s, including the separate condenser, dramatically enhanced efficiency. Watt’s steam engine became the driving force behind the Industrial Revolution, powering factories and transforming industries. In the early 19th century, Robert Fulton applied steam power to transportation with the development of the steamboat, revolutionizing river and coastal travel. George Stephenson’s “Rocket,” introduced in 1829, exemplified the steam engine’s impact on land transportation as the world’s first successful steam locomotive. Collectively, these inventors and their advancements in steam technology laid the groundwork for widespread industrialization, shaping the modern world and influencing the way people lived, worked, and traveled.
Other Important Inventions from the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution witnessed a cascade of groundbreaking inventions that transformed societies and industries.
Telegraph (1830s): Samuel Morse’s telegraph facilitated rapid long-distance communication, transforming information transmission.
Telephone (1876): Alexander Graham Bell’s invention allowed for voice communication over long distances, revolutionizing personal and business communication.
Lightbulb (1879): Thomas Edison’s practical incandescent lightbulb transformed daily life by providing reliable and efficient electric lighting.
Internal Combustion Engine (late 19th century): Pioneered by Karl Benz and Nikolaus Otto, the internal combustion engine powered automobiles and marked the beginning of motorized transportation.
Radio (late 19th century – early 20th century): Guglielmo Marconi’s development of wireless telegraphy paved the way for the radio, revolutionizing mass communication and entertainment.
Advancements in Health from the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution witnessed notable advancements in medicine, contributing to improved healthcare practices and public health.
Vaccination (1796): Edward Jenner’s development of the smallpox vaccine marked a significant breakthrough in preventive medicine. The vaccine provided immunity against smallpox and laid the foundation for future vaccination efforts.
Anesthesia (19th century): The use of ether and chloroform for surgical anesthesia revolutionized surgical procedures, reducing pain and enabling more complex and prolonged operations.
Antiseptic Surgery (1860s): Joseph Lister’s introduction of antiseptic practices, such as using carbolic acid to sterilize surgical instruments and wounds, significantly reduced the risk of infections in surgical procedures.
X-rays (1895): Wilhelm Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays opened new possibilities in medical diagnostics, allowing physicians to visualize internal structures and identify fractures and diseases without invasive procedures.
Germ Theory of Disease (19th century): The work of scientists like Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch established the germ theory of disease, which emphasized the role of microorganisms in causing infectious diseases. This understanding led to improved hygiene practices and disease prevention.
Public Health Reforms: The Industrial Revolution spurred awareness of public health issues. Initiatives such as improved sanitation, sewage systems, and clean water supplies contributed to the control of infectious diseases and improved overall community health.
Pulse Oximeter (1841): Developed by Samuel Siegfried Karl Ritter von Basch, the pulse oximeter, a device for measuring oxygen saturation in the blood, became an essential tool in monitoring patients’ respiratory function.
Stethoscope (1816): Invented by René Laennec, the stethoscope allowed physicians to listen to internal sounds of the body, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Pasteurization (1864): Invented by Louis Pasteur, pasteurization revolutionized food safety by heating liquids to eliminate harmful microorganisms, ensuring longer shelf life and reducing the risk of disease transmission.
Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking advancements reshaped the scientific understanding of life on Earth. In his seminal work, “On the Origin of Species” (1859), Darwin introduced the theory of evolution by natural selection. This revolutionary idea proposed that species evolve over time through a process of differential survival and reproduction, driven by variations in traits. Darwin’s work challenged prevailing religious and scientific beliefs of the time and laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology. His insights not only transformed the field of biology but also had profound implications for diverse disciplines, influencing debates on society, religion, and the natural world during the dynamic era of the Industrial Revolution.
The Scientific Revolution VS the Industrial Revolution
The Scientific Revolution and the Industrial Revolution, though distinct, were pivotal periods in human history that fueled transformative changes. The Scientific Revolution, spanning roughly the 16th to 18th centuries, was characterized by a shift in scientific thinking from reliance on traditional authorities to empirical observation and experimentation. Pioneers like Copernicus, Galileo, and Newton challenged established views on the cosmos and laid the groundwork for the scientific method. On the other hand, the Industrial Revolution, emerging in the late 18th century, marked a shift from agrarian and craft-based economies to industrialized, machine-driven production. Innovations in machinery, like the steam engine, transformed manufacturing processes and led to urbanization. While the Scientific Revolution focused on advancing understanding through observation and experimentation, the Industrial Revolution was marked by technological innovations that revolutionized production methods, leading to profound social, economic, and cultural changes. Both revolutions, however, exemplify the human pursuit of knowledge and progress, albeit in different spheres of influence.
Interchangeable Parts in the Industrial Revolution
Eli Whitney’s introduction of interchangeable parts in the late 18th century revolutionized manufacturing processes and played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. Whitney, best known for inventing the cotton gin, also applied his ingenuity to firearms production for the United States government. He demonstrated that by creating standardized, identical components, machines could efficiently produce interchangeable parts that could be easily assembled or replaced. This innovation significantly streamlined production, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Whitney’s concept of interchangeable parts became a cornerstone of modern manufacturing, influencing various industries beyond firearms, including machinery and automotive production. His approach not only increased the speed and efficiency of manufacturing but also paved the way for the mass production methods that defined subsequent industrial eras.
The Assembly Line
Henry Ford’s assembly line, implemented in the early 20th century, revolutionized the manufacturing process and became a hallmark of the Industrial Revolution. Ford’s innovation involved breaking down the production of automobiles into a series of repetitive tasks, with each worker responsible for a specific component or task. This assembly line approach significantly increased efficiency, allowing for faster and more cost-effective production. By standardizing and streamlining the manufacturing process, Ford not only made automobiles more affordable for the general public but also set a precedent for mass production methods across various industries. The assembly line not only transformed the automotive industry but had a profound impact on the entire manufacturing landscape, shaping the modern industrial era and influencing production methods worldwide.
Farms VS Factories
On farms, predominantly agrarian societies engaged in manual labor, with tasks dictated by the seasons and dependent on natural elements. Agricultural work often involved family units, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibilities. In contrast, the advent of the Industrial Revolution brought a shift to factory work, characterized by fixed hours, repetitive tasks, and often crowded and unsafe conditions. While farm work was often subject to unpredictable weather and yielded a slower pace of life, factory work introduced a more regimented and structured routine. The transformation from agrarian to industrial economies also led to a shift from rural to urban living, contributing to the rise of a wage-dependent workforce and altering the traditional dynamics of work and life. Both settings had their challenges, but the Industrial Revolution marked a significant departure in the nature of work, introducing new complexities and altering the social fabric of communities.
Factories During the Industrial Revolution
The conditions in factories during the Industrial Revolution were often harsh and challenging for workers. Long working hours, typically ranging from 12 to 16 hours per day, were the norm. The factory environment was characterized by crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, with minimal safety precautions in place. Workers, including many women and children, faced grueling and monotonous tasks, often in unsafe conditions. Machinery lacked proper safeguards, leading to frequent accidents and injuries. Additionally, inadequate sanitary facilities and lack of regulations contributed to poor hygiene, leading to the spread of diseases. The absence of workers’ rights and labor protections meant that employees had little recourse for grievances, and efforts to improve working conditions were often met with resistance from factory owners. These challenging conditions sparked the rise of labor movements and advocacy for workers’ rights, eventually leading to the establishment of labor laws and improved workplace conditions in the later stages of industrial development.
The Factory Act of 1833
The Factory Act of 1833, a landmark piece of legislation in British history, was a response to the harsh working conditions prevalent during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. Enacted in the wake of widespread public outcry and increasing awareness of the plight of factory workers, especially women and children, the Factory Act aimed to regulate and improve conditions in textile mills. The key provisions included limiting the working hours for children aged 9 to 13 to a maximum of 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week, and for adolescents aged 14 to 18 to 12 hours per day. The Act also mandated two hours of education for child workers each day and required factory owners to maintain a register of their child employees. While the Factory Act of 1833 was a significant step toward acknowledging and addressing the exploitation of labor, it was just the beginning of a series of subsequent reforms that sought to create a more humane and regulated working environment in the rapidly industrializing society of 19th-century Britain.
Family Changes
The Industrial Revolution brought profound changes to the structure and dynamics of families. Before this transformative era, families typically worked together in agrarian settings, sharing labor and responsibilities. However, the shift to industrialization saw a significant move from rural to urban living, as individuals sought employment in factories. This shift fractured the traditional family unit, as members often found themselves working in separate locations and at different hours. The introduction of fixed work hours and the demands of factory employment led to a departure from the agrarian lifestyle where work and home were closely intertwined. Additionally, the rise of factory work led to increased child labor, further altering family dynamics. Women were expected to both work in the factories and maintain their roles as the caregiver for their husband and children. While industrialization brought economic opportunities, it also introduced new challenges, such as longer working hours, limited family time, and the need for adaptation to the demands of a rapidly changing society. The Industrial Revolution thus reshaped family structures and roles, laying the groundwork for evolving family dynamics in the modern era.
The Rise of the Middle Class
The Industrial Revolution saw the unprecedented rise of the middle class, a socio-economic group that became a driving force behind the era’s consumerism. As industrialization unfolded in the 18th and 19th centuries, new economic opportunities and a shift from agrarian to industrial economies led to the creation of jobs in manufacturing, commerce, and administration. The middle class, comprising entrepreneurs, professionals, and managers, experienced a notable increase in wealth and social standing. This upward mobility contributed to a culture of consumerism, where individuals sought to display their newfound affluence through the purchase of goods and services. The rise of consumerism was fueled by innovations in manufacturing that made products more accessible and affordable. Factory production methods allowed for the mass production of goods, making a wide array of products available to a broader segment of society. The middle class, with its increasing purchasing power, became a key demographic driving demand for these goods. This symbiotic relationship between the rise of the middle class and the surge in consumerism had a profound impact on the economy, shaping the market-driven societies that characterize the modern world. The Industrial Revolution not only transformed economic structures but also ushered in a new era of consumption and material culture.
Adam Smith and The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations,” published in 1776, is a cornerstone work that laid the intellectual foundation for classical economics. In this influential book, Smith articulated key principles of free-market capitalism and the division of labor. He argued that individuals, driven by self-interest and guided by an invisible hand, unintentionally contribute to the overall economic well-being of society. Smith emphasized the importance of minimal government intervention in the economy, advocating for free markets and competition as drivers of prosperity. “The Wealth of Nations” remains a seminal text that has profoundly influenced economic thought, promoting the idea that the pursuit of individual interests, when left to market forces, can lead to collective wealth and societal progress. Smith’s work is considered a foundational text in the study of economics and has had a lasting impact on the development of economic theory and policy.
Capitalism
Capitalism, epitomized by the free-market system, is an economic and social framework characterized by private ownership of the means of production and the allocation of resources through market forces. Central to this system is the concept of laissez-faire capitalism, which advocates minimal government interference in economic affairs. In a free-market system, prices are determined by supply and demand, fostering competition and innovation. Individuals and businesses operate with the goal of maximizing their self-interest, and the invisible hand of the market, a concept popularized by Adam Smith, is believed to guide these pursuits to the collective benefit of society. Capitalism’s proponents argue that it provides the most efficient and dynamic economic structure, encouraging entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and individual freedoms. However, critics assert that it can lead to income inequality and exploitation. The ongoing debate surrounding capitalism and the free-market system reflects the complexities of balancing economic efficiency with social justice and the role of government in shaping the contours of a market-driven society.
Capitalism VS Mercantilism
Mercantilism and capitalism represent distinct economic systems, each with its own principles and objectives. Mercantilism, prevalent in the early modern period, emphasized state control over economic activities, viewing wealth in terms of accumulating precious metals through a favorable balance of trade. Governments played a central role in regulating and directing economic affairs, with a focus on maintaining a positive trade balance to amass wealth and power. In contrast, capitalism, which gained prominence in the wake of the Industrial Revolution, is characterized by private ownership of the means of production, free markets, and individual pursuit of profit. Unlike the top-down approach of mercantilism, capitalism promotes a decentralized system where prices are determined by supply and demand. While both systems seek to enhance a nation’s prosperity, mercantilism relies on state intervention and protectionism, while capitalism emphasizes free-market dynamics and minimal government interference. The transition from mercantilism to capitalism marked a fundamental shift in economic philosophies, influencing the trajectory of global trade and economic development.
Karl Marx and The Communist Manifesto
Published in 1848, the “Communist Manifesto” co-authored by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels stands as a seminal work that laid the theoretical groundwork for the ideology of communism. In this influential document, Marx critiqued the socio-economic structure of 19th-century capitalist societies, asserting that history was characterized by class struggles. He argued that the capitalist system inherently produced social inequality, with the bourgeoisie (capitalist class) exploiting the proletariat (working class). The manifesto called for the overthrow of the existing capitalist order and the establishment of a classless society where the means of production would be collectively owned. Marx envisioned a radical transformation of society, anticipating a proletarian revolution that would lead to the creation of a communist state. While the practical application of Marx’s ideas has varied, the “Communist Manifesto” remains a foundational text that has profoundly shaped political thought, inspiring social movements and revolutions throughout the 20th century and contributing to ongoing discussions about class, power, and the structure of society.
Socialism and Communism
Socialism and communism are both political and economic ideologies that emerged as critiques of capitalism, but they differ in their approaches to addressing economic inequality and the role of the state.
Socialism advocates for collective or government ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange. In a socialist system, the government typically plays a central role in managing key industries and redistributing wealth to ensure more equitable outcomes. Socialism seeks to address the inherent inequalities and exploitation associated with capitalism by emphasizing social ownership and cooperative decision-making.
Communism, on the other hand, represents a more radical form of socialism. In a communist society, the goal is to establish a classless and stateless system where all property is commonly owned, and each individual contributes according to their abilities and receives according to their needs. The vision of communism, as articulated by Karl Marx, involves a transition from capitalism to socialism and ultimately to a stateless and classless communist society.
While socialism allows for a mix of public and private ownership, communism envisions a complete abolition of private property and the establishment of a society based on common ownership and shared resources. Both ideologies, however, share the fundamental critique of capitalism and seek to address economic disparities and social injustices. The actual implementation and interpretations of socialism and communism have varied, leading to different models and outcomes in different historical and political contexts.
Vladimir Lenin
Vladimir Lenin’s beliefs about capitalism were deeply rooted in Marxist theory, which he adapted to the conditions of early 20th-century Russia. Lenin, the leader of the Bolshevik Party, was critical of capitalism, viewing it as an inherently exploitative system that concentrated wealth in the hands of a few. He believed that capitalism led to the impoverishment of the working class and created inherent contradictions that would eventually result in its downfall. Lenin’s vision for Russia was shaped by his commitment to establishing a socialist state. He argued for the seizure of power by the proletariat, the working class, and the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat to usher in a transitional phase toward communism. Lenin’s immediate goal for Russia, articulated in his April Theses in 1917, was the end of the Provisional Government and the transfer of power to the Soviets (workers’ councils).
The Luddites
The Luddites were a social movement of early 19th-century English textile workers who protested against the rapid mechanization and industrialization of their trades. Named after a mythical leader, Ned Ludd, the Luddites expressed their discontent through acts of sabotage, destroying machinery they believed threatened their livelihoods. The movement emerged in response to the adoption of labor-saving machinery, particularly the introduction of automated looms and knitting frames, which were perceived as a threat to traditional craftsmanship and employment. The Luddites sought to protect their jobs and preserve the established ways of work, viewing industrialization as a force that devalued skilled labor. While the Luddite movement ultimately faced suppression by the authorities, it remains a symbol of resistance to technological change and a representation of the challenges faced by workers during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.
Labor Unions
The rise of labor unions in the 19th century was a direct response to the harsh and exploitative working conditions that accompanied the Industrial Revolution. As factories burgeoned and industrialization advanced, workers, often subjected to long hours, low wages, and unsafe environments, sought collective action to address their grievances. Labor unions emerged as crucial vehicles for workers to advocate for better working conditions, fair wages, and improved treatment. These unions functioned as organized bodies that represented the collective interests of workers, negotiating with employers for improved terms and pushing for legislative changes. The demand for better conditions led to strikes, protests, and the establishment of unions such as the Knights of Labor and later, the American Federation of Labor (AFL). The labor movement played a pivotal role in shaping labor laws and regulations, eventually leading to significant improvements in workplace conditions, the establishment of the eight-hour workday, and other labor rights that continue to influence employment standards today. The rise of labor unions marked a crucial chapter in the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights and represented a collective effort to balance the power dynamics between labor and industry during the transformative era of industrialization.
Changing Roles for Women
As labor unions gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, securing improved working conditions and better wages for men, a cultural shift unfolded where many women began to embrace traditional roles as homemakers. With men earning more stable incomes and enjoying the benefits of organized labor, some women found themselves economically enabled to focus on domestic responsibilities. The perception of the ideal family structure during this period often involved a male breadwinner and a female homemaker. This trend reflected broader societal expectations and gender norms, as women’s roles in the family became associated with nurturing and maintaining the household, while men took on the primary responsibility of providing financially. While this shift allowed some families to attain a more comfortable economic status, it also underscored persistent gender inequalities and limited opportunities for women outside the domestic sphere. The intersection of economic changes and traditional gender roles during the rise of labor unions contributed to the shaping of family dynamics in the early 20th century.
Immigration to the Americas and the Industrial Revolution
Between 1800 and 1900, a wave of mass emigration from Europe to the Americas reshaped the demographic landscape of both continents. Fueled by a combination of economic, political, and social factors, millions of Europeans sought new opportunities and a fresh start in the United States, Canada, and South America. Push factors such as poverty, land shortages, and political unrest, coupled with pull factors like the promise of economic prosperity and religious freedom in the Americas, motivated this unprecedented migration. The mid-19th century Irish Potato Famine and the late 19th century Eastern European economic hardships were significant catalysts for the movement. This mass migration, often characterized by arduous journeys across the Atlantic, contributed to the development of diverse ethnic communities and played a pivotal role in the growth and development of the Americas during this transformative century. The immigrants brought with them a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and skills, contributing to the cultural mosaic of the Americas in ways that continue to resonate today.
Natural Resources and the Industrial Revolution
During the age of imperialism, industrialized nations sought to bolster their economic power by establishing colonies rich in raw materials. This expansion was marked by a pattern of exploitation, as colonies became sources of cheap resources for the industrialized nations. Plantations, for instance, were set up to extract valuable commodities like cotton, sugar, and rubber through often harsh and exploitative labor practices. The colonizing powers then processed these raw materials in their factories, creating manufactured goods that were, in turn, sold back to the colonies. This economic arrangement created a one-sided dependency, where colonies were compelled to purchase finished products from their colonizers. The consequences were often detrimental to the local economies, as they became enmeshed in a cycle of dependency and economic subjugation. Additionally, alongside the economic impact, the establishment of colonies exposed the world to European culture and ideas. The cultural influence extended to language, governance structures, and societal norms, contributing to a global diffusion of European values during this era of imperial dominance.
Slavery and the Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, a period of significant economic and technological change, had complex relationships with slavery in Britain and the United States. In Britain, the Industrial Revolution coincided with the abolitionist movement, leading to the end of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807 and the eventual abolition of slavery in British territories in 1833. Industrialization in Britain was fueled by the use of wage labor rather than slave labor, as machinery became central to production. In the United States, however, the cotton industry’s expansion in the Southern states relied heavily on enslaved labor. The cotton gin’s invention in the early 19th century increased the demand for enslaved individuals to cultivate and harvest cotton. The abolitionist movement gained momentum in the Northern states, leading to the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the abolition of slavery with the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1865. The Industrial Revolution played a role in both perpetuating and challenging the institution of slavery, marking a complex chapter in the histories of both Britain and the United States.
Social Darwinism
The era of European imperialism was underpinned by ideologies such as Social Darwinism and ethnocentrism, which fostered a belief in the moral rightness of colonizing other lands. Social Darwinism, influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, was misapplied to human societies, suggesting that stronger nations had the inherent right to dominate weaker ones. This notion was used to justify imperial expansion as a natural and even moral progression. Ethnocentrism, the belief in the superiority of one’s own cultural or ethnic group, further fueled imperialistic attitudes. Rudyard Kipling’s poem “The White Man’s Burden” encapsulated this perspective, framing the colonization of non-European nations as a noble duty to uplift and civilize supposedly inferior societies. The poem conveyed the paternalistic notion that it was the moral obligation of the white, European nations to bring their perceived cultural and moral superiority to less developed regions. These ideologies provided a pseudo-scientific and moral veneer to the exploitative practices of colonization, perpetuating a sense of moral righteousness among European imperialists, despite the detrimental impact on the colonized peoples and their societies.
Want to get back to the overview of the 1750 – 1900 CE section?
Leave a Reply