IR - Industrial Revolution Module Overview

 

Industrial Revolution.

Introduction

Painting - Rain, Speed, and Steam by Joseph William Turner. After centuries of somewhat stagnant growth, the 1800's ushered in a time of radical change that began to affect all aspects of one's life. England's many advantages, including a large labor force, stable government and wealth of natural resources, made it the first nation to industrialize. New machinery revolutionized the textile industry and soon inventions made life, work and travel better for most. Working conditions changed as laborers moved from the outdoor relative freedom of the farm to closed in, highly monitored positions within a factory. Living conditions deteriorated with increased urbanization until reform movements led to more sanitary conditions, and adjustments to worker's pay and hours. The second Industrial Revolution in the latter half of the century created a consumer culture that not only impacted spending habits, but the very face of the cities and European society as a whole.

About this image: Rain, Speed, and Steam by Joseph William Turner.
Turner's paintings focus on conveying an emotional response as well as demonstrating movement more than exact detail. You can make out the train speeding toward you in the midst of a rain storm.

 

Essential Questions

  • What were the innovations which resulted in a more efficient agricultural system?
  • What was the Enclosure System?
  • What were the reasons for the population explosion of the 18th century?
  • What nation led the way in both the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions?
  • Why did the Industrial Revolution develop in Britain before continental Europe?
  • What was the dominant industry in Britain?
  • What were some of the more significant technological innovations?
  • What was the "putting out system" and "cottage industry" and how did they affect the development of the Industrial Revolution?
  • What was the origin of modern capitalism or the free enterprise system?
  • What were the social, political, and economic consequences of the Industrial Revolution?

 

Textbook Assignment and Unit Review Form

As you work through this module, be certain to read the Industrial Revolution chapter in your textbook. As you are reading you may wish to jot down notes in the unit review form. Please pay close attention to the urbanization trend and it's consequences. Social history is a major component of this period on the national exam. This is for your notes, not to submit.

Click here to download a copy of the unit review form. Links to an external site.

 

Key Terms and People

There are several people and items you need to look over for this module. Be sure to download the ID list (linked below) - EVEN if you do not plan on defining them for your notes. This is for your notes, not to submit. You need to look over the list of terms to see what you will need to pay particular attention to in this module.

Click here to download a copy of the ID List for this module. Links to an external site.

The presentation below is helpful in seeing some of the more important people and terms, but is by no means a definitive list.

 

 

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.