World History: Industrial Revolution

Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in Great Britain?

Britain possessed abundant coal and iron ore, a stable government, a strong banking system, and a vast colonial empire for raw materials and markets.

Which industry was the first to undergo major mechanization during the Industrial Revolution?

The textile industry, which saw the transition from hand-spinning to machine-based production.

Who is credited with improving the steam engine to make it efficient enough for industrial use?

James Watt, whose improvements allowed the steam engine to power machinery in factories and mines.

What term describes the rapid movement of people from rural areas to cities during the 18th and 19th centuries?

Urbanization, driven by the search for factory jobs as agricultural work became less available.

Which invention by Alexander Graham Bell revolutionized communication in the late 19th century?

The telephone, which allowed for the transmission of human speech over wires.

Which metal became the primary building material of the Second Industrial Revolution, replacing iron?

Steel, which was made cheaper and stronger through the Bessemer process.

How did the Spinning Jenny impact the production of textiles?

It allowed a single worker to spin multiple spools of thread simultaneously, drastically increasing productivity.

What was the fundamental shift in production methods known as the 'factory system'?

A shift from the domestic system (working at home) to centralized production where workers used machines in large buildings.

How did the development of the steam locomotive impact the global economy?

It lowered the cost of transporting goods, increased the speed of trade, and allowed for the integration of distant markets.

What were the primary objectives of early labor unions?

Unions sought to negotiate for higher wages, shorter working hours, and improved safety conditions in factories.