The Modern Period, c. 1750 to c. 1914: Content Summary 5.3: The First Industrial Revolution

Several factors, including favorable geography, access to raw materials, and surplus labor, led to the revolution. (5.3.A)

Britain was a colonial, commercial, and maritime power; as such, it had access to overseas sources of raw materials (e.g., cotton) as well as to markets for finished goods. (5.3.A)

Mechanized production of cotton textiles in factories, initially in northwest England, was the most important part of Britain’s manufacturing economy. (5.3.A)

Mechanized production of cotton textiles in factories, initially in northwest England, was the most important part of Britain’s manufacturing economy. (5.3.A)

The industry benefited from a long tradition of local textile machine making as well as state regulations that provided protection from imported handmade Indian cotton textiles. (5.3.A)

Britain also had a growing middle class that created significant demand for manufactured goods. (5.3.A)

The first industrial revolution mechanized textile and iron production in factories that utilized waterpower. (5.3.B)

New technologies, such as the cotton gin, spinning jenny, and power loom, improved the efficiency of textile production. (5.3.B)

Industrialization dramatically increased British manufacturing output. (5.3.B)

Increasing global access to cheaper manufactured goods led to increased demand for these goods, which spurred further growth in manufacturing and service industries. (5.3.B)

As industrialization spread, the production of Western economies far surpassed that of Eastern economies, which did not industrialize until the 20th century. (5.3.C)

As industrialization spread, the production of Western economies far surpassed that of Eastern economies, which did not industrialize until the 20th century. (5.3.C)

Over the course of that century, while Western industrial economies continued to thrive, China experienced a scarcity of capital and resources thanks to a rapidly growing population and little economic growth. (5.3.C)

Over the course of that century, while Western industrial economies continued to thrive, China experienced a scarcity of capital and resources thanks to a rapidly growing population and little economic growth. (5.3.C)

Over the course of that century, while Western industrial economies continued to thrive, China experienced a scarcity of capital and resources thanks to a rapidly growing population and little economic growth. (5.3.C)