HIST 405N Week 3 Case Study: Industrialization
Industrialization Case Study
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Industrialization Case Study
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Industrialization is defined as a large-scale introduction of manufacturing advanced technologies and economic activity into a specific area (Industrialization, n.d.). The process involved the transition from agriculturally based economy to one based on the manufacturing of goods. Industrialization is responsible for economic growth, as well as creating products that improve the well-being of humans (Kenton, 2019). When the Industrial Revolution started in Britain during the 1800s, it made a widespread impact on the way’s humans carried out work and lived their everyday lives.
Industrial Revolution
During the mid-18th century, the Industrial Revolution began in Britain. Though the revolution was thought to have begun in Britain, many points to Samuel Slater for beginning the revolution in the United States during 1790. Samuel Slater opened the first industrial mill, which allowed for cotton thread to be spun into yarn. This introduction to new technology launched the process for improving the economy and human life. Prior to this jump start, the United States were behind due to the fact that there was so much land and a lack of labor. The new and coming world did not have the resources or the finances to worry about creating machines. However, once the shift from hand made to machine made began, production was on the rise (“Economic Growth,” 2019).
Power and Energy Sources
A large portion of the Industrial Revolution focused on finding new ways to do work. With that, the introduction to new energy sources and machines took over in factories, on farms and in ways such as transportation. The most common source of energy prior to the industrial revolution was wood. Since it was in such high demand, the supply was quickly depleting due to it being a non-renewable resource. So, they needed to find new sources of energy. During the industrial revolution, coal was heavily relied upon for energy. Coal had the ability to produce extreme amounts of heat, which could be used to power machines. Power machines were efficient and eliminated its alternative of slow, manual labor. It is said that the use of coal jumpstarted the industrial revolution due to the fact that it led to the invention of other machines powered by coal and other natural resources. Eventually, the combination of the steam engine and coal allowed for the railroad system and locomotives to be put in use, improving transportation of goods and people (Jensen, 2019). Steam engines were also responsible for powering boats, allowing transport over water. Another innovative machine used during the industrial revolution was the Spinning-Jenny. The Jenny had the ability to spin eight different threads at once, rather than just one. This machine was extremely beneficial to those who were given the job because it strayed away from manual spinning. Overall, the Industrial Revolution changed the production of goods, the modes of transportation and the way of life for humans. Though we have come a long way since, we would not be nearly this far along without the inventions from the Industrial Revolution.
Evolution of Communication
Industrialization impacted all aspects of human life. Communication was revolutionized, becoming more effective along both long and short distances. For instance, the invention of the magnetic telegraph, also called the, “lightning lines”, greatly improved long distance communication (Porter, 2009). The telegraph worked by transmitting electrical signals over a wire that was between two points. Samuel Morse then developed a code that used sets of dots and dashes to stand for each letter of the alphabet. Once established, it became easier for complex messages to be simplified and sent from station to station. In 1844, Morse sent his first telegraph message from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Maryland. Then, by 1866, a telegraph line was readily available across the Atlantic Ocean from the U.S. to Europe (“Morse code,” 2009). Today, telegraph lines have been replaced with telephones and internet run communication devices, making communication across the world even easier.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Industrial Revolution was a very important time across the world. New inventions changed the lives of workers and everyday individuals, making life easier for all. The Industrial Revolution transformed the economy of the United States and improved society as a whole. Without the Industrial Revolution, technology, transportation, communication and the well-being of citizens would not be as advanced as they currently are. Overall, the Industrial Revolution was the driving force of creating a better nation.
References
Economic growth and the early industrial revolution. (2019). Retrieved from http://www.ushistory.org/us/22a.asp
Industrialization. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/industrialization
Jensen, A. Energy resources in the industrial revolution. (2019). Retrieved from https://sciencing.com/energy-resources-industrial-revolution-7639537.html
Kenton, W. Industrialization. (2019) Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/industrialization.asp
Morse code & the telegraph. (2009). Retrieved from https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/telegraph
Porter, R., Editor. (2009). Scientific American magazine, Vol. 2 Issue 1. The advocate of industry and journal of science, mechanical and other improvement. Project Gutenberg’s Scientist American Magazine, 2(1). Retrieved from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/27867/27867-h/27867-h.htm#sewing [Show Less]