When talking about industrialization, the name of one country comes up particularly often – England. England is considered the pioneer country of industrialization. In addition to England’s geographical location as an island, many inventions in the 18th century and England’s colonies led to industrialisation, but you can find out more about that now.
Figure 1: Factory circa 1880. Source: Flickr.com
Beginning of industrialization in England
England, or Great Britain, was the first country in which industrialization took place. The rough beginning of industrialization was towards the end of the 18th century. If you want to name the start exactly, the year is usually 1765. Because in 1765 the first important machine of industrialization was invented – the «spinning jenny».
Factors of industrialization in England
But why was England the first country to industrialise? To put it another way: What conditions led to the start of industrialization in England? There are several reasons for that:
- Technological progress through inventions – spinning machines and steam engines
- Population growth through more work and wages
- Geography of the country, island location, large coal deposits
- Political stability, through peace and expanded civil liberties
- entrepreneurial mentality
Technological progress
When talking about industrialization, technical progress is usually in the foreground. The invention of «Spin Jenny» in year 1765 revolutionized the textile manufacture in England, which later led to factory production.
Figure 2: Spinning Jenny. Source: Wikipedia.org
Also the steam engine was a British invention. James Watts had further developed existing concepts, so that he 1769 his improved steam engine patent let. The steam engine is the basis of many other inventions that contributed to industrialization – especially the railroad.
1785 followed the first mechanical looml and already 1825 was there first scheduled railway connection through the country.
growth of population
With the development of the spinning machine, it was suddenly possible to produce textiles cheaply and quickly. More and more factories were built in the cities and so did one large number of jobs.
the prospect of work and wages more and more people moved from rural areas to the cities. More work and wages in turn led to one growth of populationso that in England with the beginning of industrialization also a larger market originated.
The industrial production of textiles was also able to meet the increasing demand for textiles through an increased supply, which arose from population growth.
So a kind arose in England Interaction of supply of workers, sales market and production.
Geographical location
England’s geographic location is often cited as one of its major advantages over other countries, and one of the causes of early industrialization.
As an island, England had many port cities, which facilitated the exchange of goods across the country. But they also made it possible to import goods from other countries.
as colonial power England had the opportunity favorably Ore, Coal and Cotton to get. This overseas trade made for one enormous economic growth.
Another advantage was that England had a rather flat landscape owned. So was the expansion of efficient canal systems (especially in the city) possible what the improved general hygiene. Also for far-reaching rail connections the flat landscape was ideal.
A connection can also be drawn between geography and technical progress. Because England over a large coal deposits (regions marked red on the map, see Figure 3), the technical inventions focused on the energy production industry – especially the heavy industry (production of steel) and the Mining (Steam engines increased the flow rates).
Figure 3: Coal deposits in Britain in the 19th century
England before industrialization
The economic situation and political stability in England were also beneficial for the start of industrialisation.
England was in one period of peace. Also, unlike other countries on the European continent, the political system was distinct more liberal. That means: The bourgeoisie possessed freedom rights and was rather entrepreneurial set. This also promoted economic development.
Besides, England was one dominant sea power. This contributed significantly securing the peace at. Especially in conflict with other states.
In addition to the general, entrepreneurial mentality, which significantly supported economic development, England had one large domestic market. In England there was around 1780, in contrast to the German-speaking area, no customs duties in trade. This free exchange of goods is known as the internal market. There was also a regulated tax system.
Industrial Revolution England Summary
The conditions mentioned above meant that England, or Great Britain, as a country, was able to respond to the changed conditions of industrialization. This means that the state could help to implement faster production methods. The entire production method was therefore adapted. That is why one also speaks of the Industrial Revolution: The changes were far-reaching and had a lasting influence on industry, the economy and society.
The Agricultural Revolution
You might be asking yourself: a revolution within a revolution, how does that work?
through the improved hygiene, more work and more wages happened in the cities growth of population. While more people can work more, they also need more food and groceries. So the population explosion led to a increased demand for agricultural products.
In order to meet this demand more quickly, new machines had to be developed for agriculture – these developments and the inventions that came with them are called «agricultural revolution”. Characteristics of the agricultural revolution were: new cultivation methods and the commercialization of agriculture – that is, from now on agriculture was also used for economic purposes and not just for food supply.
England as an export power
The new modes of production (e.g. the spinning jenny and the mechanical loom) meant that the Price for textiles on and on sank. After all, the machines could be used to produce more products more quickly and thus more efficient getting produced.
In addition, England could so more textile products exportwhich reduced textile production in other countries, since English goods were cheaper due to more efficient production.
export is the delivery of goods to other countries and
import is the importation of goods from other countries.
In Germany, the import of English textiles during the Silesian weaver uprisings criticized. With the Industrial Revolution, England quickly developed into an export power.
You will find a separate, exciting article on the weaver uprisings.
Leading sector of industrialization in England
Due to England’s technological superiority in the textile industry, this industry quickly developed into the leading sector of industrialization. The textile industry was thus the first economic sector in which industrialization flourished.
The textile industry was later replaced by railway construction as the leading sector. Because the expansion of the railway network made it possible to transport goods quickly, which further accelerated industrialization.
free trade
England used its economic situation to international free trade to advance While before industrialization, international trade rather than threat considered for its own market and a protectionist attitude was taken, was convincing AdamSmith the countries from the advantage of free trade. With that, England gave 1849 his ports for strangers too ships free.
Adam Smith was a Scottish economist – you can find out more about him and his ideas in our article on capitalism.
As a result, England now had Access to cheaper raw materials from other countries, since these were available to a greater extent there. At the same time England became export powersince it initially exercised a monopoly, i.e. a supremacy, in industrial goods.
commercial contracts secured the fair competition between the industrial nations. An example is the Cobden-Chevalier Treaty between Great Britain and France 1860
Imperialism for the supply of raw materials
Another factor that favored England’s rise in industrialization was its status as a colonial power. At the time of industrialization England was the largest imperial power in the world and occupied many colonies. The colonies became exploited and the raw materials shipped to England. Next to eexotic goodssuch as sugar, which were consumed as luxury goods, valuable raw materials for industrialization were also captured from the colonies.
An example is Cotton. Cotton was needed for the expansion of the textile industry towards the end of the 18th century. The cotton was mainly made North America introduced where England had colonies before American independence. The strong growth of the cotton industry early in the Industrial Revolution led to the term «King Cotton» being used as a synonym for the strong cotton industry in England.
Consequences of industrialization in England
The consequences of industrialization in England can be summarized as follows:
- Population growth = increased demand for food
- Agriculture was commercialized
- Fast production led to surplus = England exported more textiles
- England promoted international trade, for example through commercial treaties with France
- More and more raw materials and luxury goods from the colonies
- Poor living and working conditions for workers
Industrialization England – the most important
- England had favorable political and economic conditions for industrialization:
- Technological progress
- growth of population
- Geographical location
- Political stability
- Good economic starting point
- Many important inventions, such as the spinning jenny and the steam engine, were invented in England.
- The Industrial Revolution secured England’s position as a world power.