Industrial Revolution CH 5.2 Britain Leads the Way

Why Britain? Natural Resources New technology Large supplies of coal & iron Human resources, population boom led to an available work force. Navigable ports, rivers & canals New technology Britain center of Scientific Revolution Economic conditions - capital & demand Trade increased from overseas empires Business class had capital ($$) to invest in factories, mines, & railroads

Why Britain cont. Political and Social conditions, stable government Government supported economic growth Strong navy protected empire & overseas trade Age of Iron & Coal Iron was needed for machines & steam engines Producing high quality iron took large quantities of fuel.

Revolutionary Changes in the Textile Industry The Early Industry & Major Inventions 1600’s imported cotton increases in popularity Process of spinning cotton into thread was slow “putting-out system” cottage industry John Kay invents the “flying shuttle” to decrease spinning time James Hargreaves Invented the “Spinning Jenny” in 1764 which spun many threads at one time

Revolutionary Changes in the Textile Industry cont. Richard Arkwright Patented the water frame-spinning machines powered by water. Eli Whitney Invented the cotton gin-separated cotton from the seed at a high rate

Factories Born in Britain First Factories New large machines begin to be housed in long sheds. 1st factories (textiles) spinners and weavers brought together large amount of workers & machines produced large quantities of goods.

Transportation Revolution Factories developed a need for faster cheaper means of moving goods (transportation). Canals- provided $$ from tolls faster transportation lower prices for goods (coal) Steam locomotive (Most important) By 1870 rail lines crossed Britain, Europe & N. America Steam power applied to improve shipping Steam boats were used to transport goods upriver to various ports As the supply of goods increased, prices fell, and more goods were affordable