The Course of the Industrial Revolution

            The Industrial Revolution was a major turning point in history that occurred during the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Significant changes occurred in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology. Just a century before, the land was mostly unsettled wilderness. Increased supply and demand opportunities provided more employment opportunities. Also, the Industrial Revolution aided the existence of the Transportation Revolution.

            There were several events that brought about and aided the Industrial Revolution. Originally, the revolution began in Europe, but one man memorized a design for machinery and against all odds, emigrated to the U.S. He became the founder of the first textile factory. This was the introduction to the rise of the factory system. This onward progression led to the rise of a new economy.

            The factory system replaced the old system of household manufacturing, which provided additional opportunities for many. A change like farmers buying factory made household items rather than being their own suppliers is an example of the new economy beginning. Each region would specialize in what it could do best, and a national economy began to emerge. Unfortunately, factories were costly, and no single man or small group of men could provide enough to start a factory. As a resolution the “joint stock” company came about which became a corporation. Profits and responsibilities were shared amongst investors. In 1813, a new type of factories emerged and expanded providing all processes for making cotton cloth under one roof.

            The rise of factories provided employment for not just men but mostly women and children. Allowing women and children to work helped solve the problem of scarcity of workers. Unfortunately, employees mostly worked in unhealthy, inadequate environments. Another momentous event was the introduction of interchangeable parts which resulted in mass production of many products. This was an “express lane” aid to the growing new economy.

            The hefty changes resulted in many positive things like a decline in death rate, an increased birth rate, increased food, higher wages, and new settlements. Although there were negative effects mostly due to ignorance, the overall outcome of the Industrial Revolution was positive. The Industrial Revolution opened new doors to many people and invited the progress of knowledge for inventions. This time period refers to the great changes brought about by the modern factory system. Although it represented one time period, it also guided the economy to become what it is today.