Why Industrial Revolution occurred in the England?? Basics

Why The England???

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The Industrial Revolution was the period of major industrialization & innovation that started around 1760s-1840s in England. It resulted in the transition from small cottage industries in which goods were primarily made by hand to new mass produced goods in factories.

Textiles we’re dominant industry of the industrial revolution in terms of employment, the value of output, and the capital invested.

Some events in England before 1740s, set such conditions which were favourable for the industrial revolution.

Factors responsible for the start of industrial revolution in England are —

• Stable government and economy - during the period there were greater freedom of thought, trade & entrepreneurship. Further a straightforward legal leadership system allowed the formation of joint stock companies, enforced property rights and respected patentests for inventors. Eg- David Ricardo, Adam Smith, Thomas Robert Malthus etc.
• Demands for Industrial Products- the domestic demand for industrial products was raised in England with a new way of life in the cities. Colonies also provided ready made markets for the surplus goods. Eg- India, Africa, Brazil etc.
• Availability of Resources- England had an abundant supply of the 3 factors of the production namely land, labour & capital. It had sufficient coal, iron & other resources, which helped to cope with Industrial Revolution. Eg- South West England, Pembrokeshire etc.
• Agricultural resolution- The enclosure movement of England to more productive farming with greater crop yields, knowledge about agriculture among men & women.
• Naval supremacy- excelled in bringing goods directly from colonies without piracies. Eg- India, Brazil etc
• Technological advancement- James Hargreaves developed Spinning Jenny, Edmund Cartwright developed Powerlooom., James watt invented Steam Engine. Etc

Developments later

• Urbanization- rapid urbanization & rise in population of the middle classes divided between capitalists & working classes.
• Growth of modern capitalist economy- concept of capitalist economy emerged as a dominant one. Industrial sector grew up and England became the dominant player in exporter of finished goods and importer of raw goods.
• Growth of imperialism- continued prosperity from the industrial revolution changed the landscape of colonised countries of the England. Eg- political control, increased wars.
• Environment- increased population and depletion of natural resources increased the use if chemicals & fuels in factories resulted in increased environmental pollution. Eg- Centre for global development reported, Developed countries are responsible for 79% of Historical carbon emissions”