Industrial Revolution In England

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The Industrial Revolution started in England in the 1700’s. The colonial expansion of England triggered a period of industrialization. England already had a handcraft textile using wool. The Scientific Revolution in England prepared the nation for new inventions. England was rich in supplies of coal for energy, and iron for construction. England’s population grew rapidly in the 18th century. Britain was the leader of the Industrial Revolution because of better production possibilities, a large necessity for work, and a more modernized form of government. Prior to the Industrial Revolution, England transformed from a traditional agricultural nation to an industrial powerhouse. The industrialization of England required a vast abundance of resources; England quickly colonized many areas of Africa and South Asia. The colonies were used to supply England with resources not found in the homeland, and “also provided captive markets for the abundance of new goods provided by the industrial revolution” (Gernhard). One important resource for England was cotton. Cotton was a major import from India, “between 1796 and 1830 cotton production tripled” (Herbman). As a result of the growth of cotton, the textile industry took off. England also had a large supply of coal and iron to support the construction of new industries. The railroad was laid down all across England, which required a large amount of both iron and coal. With new forms of transportation and acquired resources, mass production in England was possible. Due to the sprouting factories in England, farm workers were forced away from their lands, and into a largely overcrowded cities. The conditions of urban areas in England were horrible for living. The working conditions in England were not much better, the factories were dirty and dangerous, and workers had to endure abusive bosses. Without many
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