Introduction to the Industrial Revolution

Introduction to theIndustrial Revolution Zachary M. Walker EDSC 304 – Intersession 2014

Why is this important to study? • This all happened hundreds of years ago, right? It can’t possibly still be important? • Actually it is! From production and sanitation to transportation and communication, the Industrial Revolution changed virtually every aspect of life as we know it. • Many modern innovations are extensions of previous inventions!

The Domestic System • Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most work took place in or around the home. • As manufacturing was done by hand, this was often a laborious process. • However, things began to change in the 18th Century.

The Rise of Factories • In 1768, Richard Arkwright created the first real factory in England. • While factories had existed before, newer technologies and an increase in automation allowed to more goods to be produced for less. • The number of factories, especially in textiles, would rapidly expand in both England and abroad in the years to come.

Important Developments • The Flying Shuttle – John Kay • Developed in 1733, the Flying Shuttle allowed weavers to more quickly weave together multiple threads. • The Spinning Jenny • Expands on earlier spinning wheels. • Speeds up the creation of yarn or thread. • James Hargreaves

Quick Question • Devices such as the Flying Shuttle quickly caught on and spread throughout factories. • Given what you know about the growth in the number of factories, how many Flying Shuttles and other power looms were in use by 1850? • Answer using Socrative.

The Steam Engine • The first efficient steam engine was developed by James Watt in 1763. • Originally used to pump water out of mines, later used to power mechanized devices. • Gave way to later developments, such as the locomotive.

Quick Question • More efficient steam engines led to more coal being mined. • What impact do you think this would have on the spread of steam engines? • Answer using Socrative.

The Telegraph • First real form of electric long distance communication. • While it had existed since the late 18th Century, the efforts of Samuel Morse greatly improved use. • Enabled people to sent messages across great distances.

Reflection Time! Which new invention do you think had the most at the time and why? Record your response on our class Voicethread!

Additional Information

Sources Used • http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blspinningjenny.htm • http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blflyingshuttle.htm • http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/factories_industrial_revolution.htm • http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blsteamengine.htm • http://inventors.about.com/od/tstartinventions/a/telegraph.htm • http://www.connected-earth.com/Journeys/Transformingsociety/index.htm

Introduction to the Industrial Revolution