Unit 6: Industrialization and Its Effects

20+ questions on nationalism and imperialism

1815: Napoleon is defeated at Waterloo and exiled to St. Helena

As people learned to grow enough food to sustain a population, civilization could use their knowledge on other matters. This period of technological innovation became known as the Industrial Revolution. Starting in Great Britain, learn how innovation spread throughout Europe and across the sea as well as how it affected the people of the time.

In this video we covered the three major competing ideologies of the 19th century: conservatism, liberalism, and nationalism. We look at the basis of these ideas, how they interact with each other, and how they work together. We also focus on how each of these ideas caused conflict throughout the first half of the 1800s.

Like the Neolithic Revolution, the Industrial Revolution was one of the most important turning points in all of human history. The rise of mechanized production led to massive effects on society, for better or worse. More products meant cheaper prices and better technology improved transportation and communication. At the same time, people were exploited in factories across the world to produce more profit. Industrialization set the tone for the modern era and in this session, we’re going to review everything you need to know.

The one thing you need to know about this unit:

In 1776, Adam Smith would write a book known as The Wealth of Nations. His novel would be the beginning of a new economic system known as capitalism and the free market. This idea of supply and demand driving the economy instead of the government being involved would eventually be adapted when investors began popping up with an increased interest in new technology and methods of production. Their money would help fuel the revolution, and political/social stability allowed the government to step back and allow the people to take control.

Almost a century after the First Industrial Revolution began, the innovation of the time was finally beginning to slow down. Life had changed significantly for all people in all types of different nations. After a lull in innovation for a few decades, the Second Industrial Revolution sprang up in a multitude of different nations. This time, automation was old news. Electricity and chemicals though? ⚡

The factories of this time gave rise to two classes that were strangely class-conscious and understanding of their rights. The proletariat (lower class) were the ones manually running the machines and producing the goods. They were aware of how easily replaceable they were. The bourgeoisie (upper class) were the factory owners and often enjoyed life in the suburbs which were far, far away from the city and its pollution. 

At the same time as the First Industrial Revolution was Napoleon’s conquering of Europe. He took over countries like Spain, most of Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and Egypt, but his grip couldn’t hold due to the sheer size of his continental empire. His eventual defeat at Waterloo signified the end of his radical ideology and Napoleonic Codes… or did it?

Napoleon’s ideas had stayed with the people he conquered, and while some were glad to have their monarchs back in power, others couldn’t go back to living in the status quo. They wanted a strong sense of nationalism back, and some pesky Congress of Vienna wasn’t going to stop them. 

The 19th century is often regarded as the “Age of -Isms” and for good reason. During this century, many political ideologies appeared and had -isms at the end. The main political ones were conservatism, nationalism, liberalism, socialism, and feminism. This section talks about everything after conservatism. The last political -ism that arose during this time was feminism. It believed in universal suffrage for both men and women as well as natural rights for both men and women. 🗳️ This political movement emerged from rising protests for universal male suffrage and the cult of domesticity enforcing traditional gender roles. 🤰

Industrialization was beginning to take its toll on the people, especially those in the working class and cities. Uneducated workers, male and female, suffered in grueling conditions with extremely low pay and cruel treatment. Moral issues were raised about the institution of slavery, serfdom, and even alcohol!

An ever-increasing amount of national outcry from the public, important individuals, and various organizations for reform continued to pressure the Conservative government. Would they listen or stick to their stubborn and collapsing traditional ways of life?

Political and social stability combined with an abundance of natural resources led to Great Britain industrializing first. Once they industrialized the textile industry and efficiently utilized the railroads, 🛤️ their industrial dominance was complete.