The Industrial Revolution of England

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The late eighteenth century was the beginning of a crucial turning point throughout Europe. In 1789, the people of France revolted against their government, proving that an absolute monarch did not hold all the power, and that citizens were not afraid to stand up for their rights. Known as the French Revolution, it lasted into the late 1790’s and paved the way for more freedom and equality among all citizens. Although this was a major movement for the future of European people in the nineteenth century, another equally significant accomplishment was beginning to unfold in England. The 1780’s marked the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in England, which led the way for tremendous population and economic growth throughout Europe. There were many factors that caused the Industrial Revolution to occur specifically in England. England had large quantities of coal and iron ore beneath the ground, which was a very inexpensive source of energy compared to the previous use of wood. As population grew, wood became increasingly more expensive to use as fuel because it took longer to go out and retrieve and it was becoming scarce. Another reason that aided in the industrialization of England was the political strength that England had. It’s previous accomplishments in colonization allowed for a larger supply of raw material and more locations to sell manufactured goods. England also had the upper hand economically with its central bank and successful credit markets. This provided financial stability, allowing people to take greater entrepreneurial risks. Although these factors were all very important, another essential influence on the Industrial Revolution was the Agricultural Revolution that was already taking place i... ... middle of paper ... ...Encyclopedia.com, (1 April 2014). John Cannon, "Cartwright, Edmund,” The Oxford Companion to British History, 2002, Encyclopedia.com, (1 April 2014). History.com Staff, “Industrial Revolution,” History.com, A+E Networks, 2009, (2 April 2014). Ibid. “The Revolution in Energy and Industry,” p. 621. Friedrich Engels, “The condition of the Working Class in England,” (London: Swan Sonnenschein & Co., 1892), pp. 45, 48-53. “The Revolution in Energy and Industry,” pp. 632-633. Joseph A. Montagna, "The Industrial Revolution," Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute, (2 April 2014). “The Revolution in Energy and Industry,” p. 633.

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