The Basics
The Agrarian Revolution - The beginning of the Industrial Revolution
Changes included:
Trade and Manufacturing - Building the British Empire
Britain became the 'workshop of the world' because of its resources, wealth from colonial trade and ships to import raw materials and export manufactured goods. By 1914 the British Empire covered Canada, India, New Zealand, Australia and many small islands, as well as some of South Africa.
Working Conditions and Population
Between 1840 and 1900, the population of England and Wales grew from 16 to 35 million. The population growth was absorbed into the growing cities and towns. This provided a large work force for the new factories and mines. The workers suffered harsh conditions and long hours. The streets and houses were unhygienic and poorly maintained.
Changes included:
- Better systems for rotating land for crops
- Selective breeding of livestock
- Land ownership
- Subsistence farming became business orientated farming
Trade and Manufacturing - Building the British Empire
Britain became the 'workshop of the world' because of its resources, wealth from colonial trade and ships to import raw materials and export manufactured goods. By 1914 the British Empire covered Canada, India, New Zealand, Australia and many small islands, as well as some of South Africa.
Working Conditions and Population
Between 1840 and 1900, the population of England and Wales grew from 16 to 35 million. The population growth was absorbed into the growing cities and towns. This provided a large work force for the new factories and mines. The workers suffered harsh conditions and long hours. The streets and houses were unhygienic and poorly maintained.