CHILD LABOUR: INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Originating in 18th century England, then spreading to other countries, the Industrial Revolution is the base of modern day technology. Throughout 1750 and 1800, the populations of major countries increased. Throughout this time, children became the main source of cheap labour. Then in 1800, steam shipping was invented to transport raw goods using major waterways, and in the 1840’s oceanic transport came into view. In 1840, steam engines were the main source of transportation of goods. The British made a steam engine with a horsepower of 620 000, but the English’s total of horsepower was 860 000. However, many countries were working rapidly to imitate these engines for their own use.
There were 3 main factors changes the Industrial Revolution:
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technological
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socioeconomic
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cultural
Technological changes:
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new basic materials were used (chiefly iron and seel).
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new energy sources were used in the form of fuels and motive power (steam engine, electricity, internal combustion engine, coal, petroleum)
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new machines were invented (ex. spinning jenny)
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new organization of work (a.k.a. the factory system - organizing labour and only perfoming one specif task)
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development of new transportation and communication (radio, automobile, airplane, steam ship, telegraph, steam locomotive)
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increase in science industry)
The Industrial Revolution spread past all throughout England to many parts of Great Britain to as far the center of the United States.
What was the Industrial Revolution? Who was involved? Did it affect other countries?
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"The Iron Bridge" is the first iron bridge to be made and is a national monument located in Ironbridge, near Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, United Kingdom. The bridge stands over the River Severn and has an arch of approximatley 30 meters. Designed by Thomas Pritchard in 1775, then built by Abraham Darby III in 1779.
Powers looms being used in textile manufacturing - 1844
Boiler factory. Boilers were the base for the growth of the Industrial Revolution and were used for many different purposes during this time period. For example, trains used steam power to operate, were used in factories to provide energy and heat, and to boil liquids for the chemical and drink industries (for example in distilleries). The picture above (taken from a book published in 1887) shows the W. and J. Galloway and Sons boiler factory in Manchester, United Kingdom.
This Youtube video talks about the lives of 18th to 19th century workers in England before, during, and after the world's first Industrial Revolution.