Industrial Revolution
Definition
The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to 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 before spreading throughout Europe, North America, and eventually the world.
Analogy
Think of the Industrial Revolution as upgrading from an old flip phone to a smartphone. Just like how smartphones revolutionized communication with their advanced features (internet access, apps), the Industrial Revolution brought about new technologies that drastically changed how people worked and lived.
Related terms
Factory System: A method of manufacturing using machinery and division of labor first adopted in Britain at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century.
Urbanization: The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas. This was largely driven by job opportunities during the Industrial Revolution.
Laissez-faire Economics: An economic theory that advocates for minimal government intervention in business affairs beyond what is necessary to protect property rights. This theory gained popularity during the Industrial Revolution.
"Industrial Revolution" appears in:
Subjects (6)
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (20+)
- What might have happened if the Cotton Gin hadn't been invented during the Industrial Revolution?
- What was a major technological innovation during the Industrial Revolution that had a significant impact on American society?
- Which invention had a significant impact on the Industrial Revolution in the United States?
- What was one primary effect of the Industrial Revolution on American society?
- Which innovation from the Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on manufacturing in the United States during Period 3?
- In what way can parallels be drawn between labor systems during the Industrial Revolution and those resulting from technological advancements in modern times?
- What was a significant outcome of the Industrial Revolution in America?
- Which invention during the Industrial Revolution greatly improved communication across long distances?
- Which legislation resulted in the creation of a national railroad system during the Industrial Revolution?
- What was the primary objective of the Homestead Act during the Industrial Revolution?
- How did Europe's Industrial Revolution influence America's transition to an industrial capitalist society?
- Whose inventions during the industrial revolution significantly boosted productivity and fostered the growth of middle class?
- What might have been an alternate outcome of the Industrial Revolution if labor unions had not formed in the United States?
- Which technological innovation significantly increased the efficiency of manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution?
- What legislation resulted from labor conflicts during the Industrial Revolution?
- How did technological innovations impact society during Industrial Revolution?
- What concept characterized American labor relations from Industrial Revolution to present day?
- How did the Industrial Revolution transform American society in the 19th century?
- Which event post-1945 most significantly echoed the effects of Industrial Revolution on American society?
- Which innovation during the Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on American manufacturing?
Resources
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