The industrial revolution
A change in the country’s economy, During the mid 18th to mid 19th century there were a lot of
changes about the nations in Europe and North America, the base of economy shifted from
agriculture to industry, and England became the world’s first industrial nation.
The importance of steam, Caused a great leap for industrialisation. This energy was used to
drive machinery in factories, in agriculture, and about the locomotives and the railways,
because this led to improved road and canal links, for people and goods.
Developments in the textile industry was a great leap for the industrial world, because prior the
1760 the textile economy was based in cottage industry, but with the new inventions the
situation changed, because with the power looms and a lot of mills in continuous increase, in
particular in the north of england the people moved to work in the new factories.
New employment possibilities changed the occupation for a lot of people, between boys and
women, because in the textile and agriculture industry, there weren’t necessary a lot of people
to work, so many people leaving with strength the work, however since the request of carbon
increased, a lot of people started to work in the coal mines, and these type of industry improved.
Money and capital was one of the most important consequences of the industrial revolution,
because these changes led to the birth of a new economic system in particular for England,
which became the most important financial center for Europe.
Timeline for the first industrial revolution: between the 1750-1837 a lot of scientist invented a lot
of agrarian system to a new organization based on a large-scale machine production, like the
Watt’s engine, or the spinning Jenny for the revolution in textile, or bessemer’s converter
allowed the production of stronger steel.
Timeline for the second industrial revolution: between the 1837-1901 a phase of industrial
growth that transformed britain into the wealthiest and most powerful nation on earth, this period
it took place in the victorian age. Queen Victoria reigned from 1837 to 1901, and during this
period with the help of a lot of people Queen Victoria became Empress of India in 1877.
Spinning Jenny was an invention by James Hargreaves in 1764, is one of the innovations that
started this period.
The power of the engine was one of the most discoveries of this period. James Watt was a
brilliant Scottish scientist who created a machine that transformed thermal energy into
mechanical energy. The first energy was coal, because there were a lot of quantities and the
applications were a lot and essential to develop the machines.
However, the workshop where the women and children worked was very very awful, because
the conditions to live and work led to the death and the depression, also the youngest people
work for a long time in a mine.
The factory acts that passed in 1833 and 1844 slightly improved children’s hard working
conditions, thanks to this the age of limited was changed to 18 years, and the hours became 12,
and also young people didn’t work during the night.
Chimney Sweepers was a poem by Willim Blake, which spoke about the situation of children in
a workspace, also these guys had four or five years, and the situation was very bad. This poem
was published between 1789-1794.
Here is a working diagram of James Watt's steam engine:
⦁ The water is heated in the boiler by a fuel, such as coal, wood or gas.
⦁ Steam is produced in the boiler and sent to a cylinder.
⦁ Steam enters the cylinder and pushes the piston upwards.
⦁ The piston is connected to a connecting rod-crank.
⦁ The connecting rod-crank converts the straight movement of the piston into rotary movement.
⦁ Rotating motion can be used to drive a machine, such as a mill, pump, or locomotive.
James Watt's steam engine was one of the most important inventions in history. It was a very
efficient and powerful engine, which was used to revolutionize industrial production and
transportation.
The victorian age
The Victorian era, from 1837 to 1901, was a period of significant changes and contradictions.
On one hand, progress brought about by industrialization, the increasing wealth of the upper
classes, and the expansive power of the British Empire led to a time of great prosperity. On the
other hand, the poverty, deprivation, and injustice faced by the working classes were alarming.
The living conditions of the working classes during the Victorian period were almost indecent.
Workers lived in squalid conditions with poor hygiene and a lack of services. They worked long
hours, sometimes up to 16 hours a day, in dirty and dangerous factories. Additionally, even very
young children had to work, for example, in textile factories, mines, or as chimney sweeps.
Education was scarce or absent, and infant mortality rates were high. In contrast, the upper
classes lived in conditions of well-being and prosperity. Fundamental values included religion,
family, and home. The family structure was patriarchal, with the father in an authoritative
position and the mother in a subordinate role. Morality and respect were crucial, and society
was almost puritanical. However, despite the contradictions, the Victorian era was a period of
great progress. Towards the end of the century, various social reforms were introduced that
improved the living conditions of the working classes. Working hours were reduced, public
health was improved, and free education was provided to children.
Oliver Twist
"Oliver Twist" is a novel written by Charles Dickens and first published in serial form between
1837 and 1839. The book tells the story of a young foundling who grows up in a workhouse.
Through the description of Oliver's life and adventures, Dickens strongly criticizes many social
aspects of Victorian society, especially the workhouses where poor people lived in very bad
conditions and had to work long hours to pay for "board and lodging." The following passage is
taken from the novel "Oliver Twist." This is a part of the novel "The evening arrived; the boys took
their places. The master, in his cook's uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper
assistants ranged behind him; the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over the
short commons. The gruel disappeared; the boys whispered to each other, and winked at Oliver,
while his next neighbors nudged him. Despite his young age, Oliver was desperate with hunger
and fearless in his misery. He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon
in hand, said, somewhat alarmed at his own temerity: 'Please, sir, I want some more.' The master
was a fat, healthy man, but he turned very pale. He gazed in stupefied astonishment at the small
rebel for some seconds, and then clung for support to the copper. The assistants were
paralyzed with wonder; the boys with fear. 'What!' said the master at length, in a faint voice.
'Please, sir,' replied Oliver, 'I want some more.'"
