Industrial Revolution
Definition
The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and transport had a profound effect on the socioeconomic and cultural conditions starting in the United Kingdom, then subsequently spreading throughout Europe, North America, and eventually the world.
Analogy
Think of it like upgrading from an old flip phone to a smartphone. Just as that upgrade revolutionized communication with new features like internet access and apps, the Industrial Revolution brought about new technologies and methods that completely transformed industries.
Related terms
Mechanization: This refers to the process of changing from working largely or exclusively by hand or with animals to doing that work with machinery. In other words, it's like swapping out manual labor for machine power.
Urbanization: This is when populations shift from rural areas to cities. Imagine if all your small-town friends started moving into big cities - that's urbanization!
Capitalism: An economic system where trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit rather than by state; think of it as a giant marketplace where everyone is trying to sell their goods or services for personal gain.
"Industrial Revolution" appears in:
Subjects (6)
Study guides (8)
AP World History: Modern - 5.3 Industrialization Begins
AP World History: Modern - 5.5 Technology in the Industrial Age
AP World History: Modern - 5.8 Reactions to Industrialization, 1750-1900
AP World History: Modern - 5.9 Social Effects of Industrialization
AP World History: Modern - 6.4 Global Economic Development from 1750 to 1900
AP World History: Modern - 6.5 Economic Imperialism
AP World History: Modern - 6.7 Effects of Migration from 1750 to 1900
AP World History: Modern - 6.8 Causation in the Imperial Age
Practice Questions (20+)
Which of the following BEST describes a social change due to the industrial revolution?
Which of the following allowed the Industrial Revolution to gain traction in Britain?
Which of the following was a major transportation and communication development that occured during the Industrial Revolution?
What country did the Industrial Revolution begin in?
What became the key energy source during the first Industrial Revolution?
Advances in the production of which of the following occurred during the first Industrial Revolution c. 1750-c.1830 in Britain?
Which was the first industry to initiate the Industrial Revolution?
There wasn't just one Industrial Revolution- there were several. Which Industrial Revolution was most associated with Steam Power and Textile Production?
You can't keep a good idea secret for too long. As the Industrial Revolution spread, which of the following was the MOST successful in their attempts to industrialize?
Which of these were an invention of the industrial revolution?
Prior to the Industrial Revolution, where did the average person get their textile goods?
Which correctly matches the Industrial Revolution machine with its fuel source from the Modern Period(1750-1900)?
Which of these technologies was the most influential in the first Industrial Revolution?
If you were reading about the Industrial Revolution and your friend said to you, “Factories? Ha. You mean locations for the rich bourgeoisie to exploit the labor of workers all because they control the means of production? You know this bourgeoisie exploits the workers and forces them into war after war… you know all wars are just class warfare in disguise?” Your friend is a:
What were some of the major problems that workers faced during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following was NOT a result of the Industrial Revolution?
The Industrial Revolution raised the standard of living for MOST people. However, one group was to be the "Angels in the Household" due to their piety and purity and were to remain in the home and show "submission". Who were these people?
Which of the following factors did not contribute to the limited social mobility during the Industrial Revolution?
What contributed to the rise of consumer culture during the Industrial Revolution?
During the Industrial Revolution, what was the cult of domesticity?
Resources
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