- According to some scholars, the conversion of mercantilist policy into Laissez Faire proved an important factor.
- But according to other scholars, the colonization of Asia, America and the West Indies produced enough wealth to carry the industrial revolution.
- According to some others it was the external trade and development of technology that resulted into the industrial revolution.
- In Britain, the process of agrarian revolution started in the 17th century and also, the result of the Enclosure movement, capitalist farming started there. So as the result of agrarian revolution, both the requirement of raw materials as well as that of grain was fulfilled.
- A new organization of work known as the factory system, which entailed increased division of labor and specialization of function.
- Scientific revolution played a significant role in the industrial revolution in Britain. For example, some specific technologies like steam engine, spinning jenny, Power loom, Water frame etc. came into existence.
- In the 18th century the internal market of Britain expanded due to development of modern transport. For example, the roads were converted into concrete roads. Likewise canals were built and through these canals different regions were linked to each other.
- Also there were large shipping industries to ensure efficient transportation of its raw materials and finished goods. Also it had a strong navy to safeguard its shipping.
- Other Important developments in transportation and communication, including the steam locomotive, steamship, automobile, airplane, telegraph, and radio provide for further development.
- The increasing application of science to industry. These technological changes made possible a tremendously increased use of natural resources and the mass production of manufactured goods.
- The use of new energy sources, including both fuels and motive power, such as coal, the steam engine, electricity, petroleum, and the internal combustion engine.
- Economic changes that resulted in a wider distribution of wealth, the decline of land as a source of wealth in the face of rising industrial production, and increased international trade.
- Political changes reflecting the shift in economic power, as well as new state policies corresponding to the needs of an industrialized society.
- Some social changes, including the growth of cities, the development of working class movements, and the emergence of new patterns of authority gave way to more production.
- Workers acquired new and distinctive skills, and their relation to their tasks shifted which needed new technology.
- Also during this period there was the gradual improvement in the breeds of animal which led to availability of more mutton and animal products.
- The availability of grains and animal products resulted in growth of population in Britain.
- As a result of growth in population as well as in per capita income the number of consumers increased.
- In 1764, Englishman James Hargreaves built a machine called the Spinning Jenny that enabled an individual to produce multiple spools of threads simultaneously. By the time of Hargreaves’ death, there were over 20,000 Spinning Jennys in use across Britain.
- Another key innovation in textiles, the power loom, which mechanized the process of weaving cloth, was developed in the 1780s by English inventor Edmund Cartwright (1743-1823).
- Also invention of these new machines, such as the spinning jenny and the power loom that permitted increased production with a smaller expenditure of human energy.
- The mechanical engineers particularly played an important role in the improvement of machinery as well as its efficient use. They made use of iron and steel in place of wood to create complex machinery.
- The abolition of Serfdom and Enclosure Movement both led to a rise in the number of landless people who provided cheap labour to the industries.
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