The industrial revolution
Economic change
At the end of the 18th century, economic changes took place in Britain that would transform
the country from an agrarian nation to an industrialized nation. New systems, transformed
traditional agriculture, making the land more fertile, causing an increase in cereal production.
The increase in food production led to population growth, consequently increased consumer
demand and an increase in industrial demand, which led to the start of mass consumption.
Technological innovation
The advance of the industrial revolution has been made possible by a series of technological
innovations that have transformed and improved productivity. The main innovation was the
steam engine, invented by
T. Newcomen. Heavy investments in technological development increased and innovation
became linked to energy generated by coal, as a result new industrial activities concentrated
near the coal basins.
The lives of workers
Factory workers had very low wages, which barely allowed them to have the money for rent
and food. They had long hours of work, and their lives were difficult. Small towns were built
quickly, to accommodate workers near factories, but basic public services such as sanitation
and open spaces were often lacking; moreover, the air and water were polluted. Many
working-class families due to a low income, were forced to send their children to work.
Children were exploited for three main reasons:
• owners could pay children less than adults to do the same job, which meant saving money.
• children were easier to control and were generally more obedient than adults.
• children were exploited for their small hands that could more easily reach parts of the
machines to repair them; and for their size thanks to which they could crawl into the small
tunnels of coal mines.
Great Britain and America
During the reign of George III Britain had control of the seas and enjoyed a period of internal
stability and economic expansion. However, his reign is remembered above all for the loss of
the American colonies.
The Boston Tea Party
The British government put taxes on some products to reduce public debt. Britain decided
that American colonies should help pay for their defence and pay the new taxes. This raise
led to the outbreak of rebellion.
The taxes were met with fury in the American colonies, and although the British Parliament
removed some of them, an import tax was applied on some products including tea. Rebels in
America responded by declaring taxation illegal, their slogan became "No taxation without
