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.
Analogy
Think of it like upgrading from an old flip phone to a smartphone. Just as that upgrade revolutionized communication and access to information, the Industrial Revolution drastically changed how goods were produced and economies functioned.
Related terms
Laissez-faire: This is an economic theory that became popular during the Industrial Revolution advocating minimal interference by government in the economy.
Urbanization: This refers to population shift from rural areas to cities which significantly increased during the Industrial Revolution due to job opportunities in new industries.
Child Labor: During this time period, many factories employed children because they could be paid less. This practice led to new laws and regulations about work age and conditions.
"Industrial Revolution" appears in:
Subjects (6)
Study guides (5)
Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (20+)
What impact did the Agricultural Revolution have on the Industrial Revolution?
What new economic opportunities did cities offer during the Industrial Revolution?
What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on the traditional system of craft production?
What social changes were associated with urbanization during the Industrial Revolution?
What impact did the growth of cities have on social institutions during the Industrial Revolution?
What attracted the working poor and those unable to work to Enlightenment ideas during the Industrial Revolution?
What economic system emerged during the late 18th century in response to the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following was a significant consequence of the Industrial Revolution in Europe?
Which of the following best describes the impact of the steam engine on the Industrial Revolution in Britain?
Which of the following factors contributed to the growth of the middle class during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following inventions played a pivotal role in the advancement of textile production during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following inventions played a crucial role in the transportation revolution during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following economic systems was associated with laissez-faire capitalism during the Industrial Revolution?
Which technological innovation played a significant role in the development of the steam engine during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following was a significant consequence of the increased availability of coal during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following was a consequence of the mechanization of the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following social classes experienced the most significant growth during the Industrial Revolution?
What impact did the factory system have on the working conditions of laborers during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following was a key factor that led to the decline of artisanal production during the Industrial Revolution?
Which of the following best describes the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the environment?
Resources
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