Industrialization In The 1800s

Before the Industrial Revolution, man produced the products they needed by hand or by basic machines. This meant that production took a much greater time for construction and that the individuals that made certain products had to be specifically trained to master that skill. This would all change by the mid 1800s with the start of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain. “Industrialization refers to a process that transformed agrarian and handicraft-centered economies into economies distinguished by industry and machine manufacture.” (Bentley 492)

The Industrial Revolution was one of the most significant eras in human history. It transformed its society from an agricultural economy to one that lead to industry, machines, and manufacturing. The basic resources for industrialization were iron and textiles, along with the development of the steam engine. Furthermore, the industrial revolution sought improved systems of transportation. It showed the way to such important changes in the way goods were
produced and in the way people lived.

One of the biggest factors that contributed to the Industrial Revolution was coal. Before the invention of coal, wood was used as the “primary source of fuel for iron production, home heating, and cooking” (Bentley 493). This led to serious problems because wood was scarce. However, Britain had a vast supply of mineral resources. They had one of the largest coal deposits, which was essential for early machines to operate. This led to the substitution of coal for wood, creating a framework for industrialization.

This was the start of industrial expansion in Britain. The British colony led the cotton industry. The cloth was then spun and woven by hand. But, the advances in technology began to drive out the homemade cotton industry. The demand for cotton began to spread quickly so the producers needed a way to speed up the process to supply the developing markets. In 1733, John Kay invented the flying shuttle to do just that, speed up the weaving process. Then, in 1785, Edmund Cartwright’s power loom revolutionized the speed of cloth weaving. The power loom allowed for higher quality cloth for a cheaper price. Thus, boosting Britain’s cotton textile production.With the rising of new, more efficient technology, workers were able to easily accomplish certain tasks that would have taken them a much longer time to complete.

As the industrial revolution unfolded new sources of power such as the steam engine was developed. In 1765, the steam engine developed by James Watt further transformed the cotton industry. This was the “most crucial technological breakthrough of the early industrial era” (Bentley 493). The invention of the steam engine meant that machines that didn't require labor from humans to operate could now be produced. This meant that workers would now guide machines rather than making the physical effort to do something themselves. The steam engine spread to other industries, which increased the demand for coal. Coal fueled steam engines provided cheap, controllable power much more superior to the power of oxens and horses.

In the 18th century new methods of iron production were discovered. Thus, resulting in higher quality. These advances encouraged the use of machinery in other industries. Iron was so durable that it became the preferred metal for tools and equipment until replaced by steel after 1860. It was then that Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer converter, which allowed for more, cheaper production of steel. They began to make tools, machines and structures that required high strength with steel.

The growth of industry meant the need for a better system of transportation. Before the industrial revolution, the steam engine,there wasn’t a reliable source of transporting raw materials to factories and to distribute finished goods. So, they began to build canals between mines and factories. Eventually, it expanded to a road surface. And finally, the rail road industry was developed.While canals and roads improved, they were soon overshadowed by the railroads and steamships. It made it easier to carry heavier loads of raw materials and manufactured goods.Then in 1815, George Stephenson developed the Rocket; the first steam powered locomotive.

Before the 1800s, Western nations did business in Africa and Asia within existing trade and political networks.
“Imperialism refers to the domination over subject lands in the larger world”(Bentley 530). European nations wanted to increase their power and pride by taking over new colonies. They claimed to be doing "backward" people a favor by conquering their lands and bringing them Western advancements. However, money played the most import ant force behind imperialism. Therefore, the Industrial Revolution changed Europe from a consumer of manufactured goods to a producer.

The industrial revolution greatly increased productivity in industrialized areas, which led to an increase need for even more raw materials to keep up with the growing demand. As a result, Britain needed a source for raw materials, such as cotton to keep its textile factories running. Europe used the demand for cotton as a part of the plan for British to conquer India, Egypt, and other
areas.

In addition, the industrial revolution made it easy for Europeans to conquer large parts of the world. For example, Japan was under the influence of imperialism for many years, but the Japanese began to hang their lifestyles and their government. Steamboats and railroads made Europeans more capable of projecting power to other colonies, which permitted the European powers to control larger areas. Improvements in transportation also allowed for Europeans to gain better access to other markets, giving them the opportunity to to sell the manufactured goods that they produced.

There is no doubt that the Industrial Revolution was one of the most influential time periods of human history. Steam engines were invented, coal replaced wood and charcoal, steel was created from iron, roads and canals were improved along with railroads and the creation of steamboats advancing transportation means. Over the course of the Industrial Revolution there were many changes, which led to the improvement of the lives we live today.
Bartolome de Las Casas 22, 24, 30-32
When Columbus set sail to the coasts of Hispaniola, he captured seven Islanders to be his interpreters. Eventually, they were taken back to Castile. When Bartolome de Las Casas was a young man, he witnessed Columbus and his people explore the Castilian city of Seville. In 1502, he became “editor of Columbus’ journals” (Davidann 30) and joined in on some of Columbus’ expeditions. During these expeditions, he began to see the “ill-treatment” of the Taino. Because of this, Las Casas sought to convert the Indians to Christianity. By 1511, he became known as the defender of the Indians and freed them. The sermon, “a voice cry ing in the wilderness” led by Father Montesinos made Las Casas realize how the Native Americans in the New World were being treated by the Spaniards. He sought to help the Native Americans make a living on a farm. However, that failed due to the consequent attacks on the farms. Then, in 1537, he fought to free the Native Americans from enslavement. He convince the pope to end these practices. By 1550, Las Casas won the debate against Juan Gines de Sepulved in Valladolid Spain. Enslave of Native Americans became illegal and in addition, the encomienda was eventually abolished.
Steam Power
In 1765, James Watt invented the steam engine, which relied on “steam to force a piston to turn a wheel, whose rotary motion converted a simple pump into an engine” Bentley 493. This was the singe most important invention of the Industrial Revolution. By the 1800’s, it quickly spread through out the British Isles, who lead the textiles Industry. The steam engine allowed for “greater productivity for manufacturers and cheaper prices for consumers (Bentley 493).