protest movement Related: Revision Notes - The Industrial Revolution,...
9.INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
In which country did the Industrial Revolution being first? How did it affect the living and working conditions of the working class in the beginning?
The Industrial Revolution began first of all in England.
Effects of Industrial Revolution on the Working Class:
(i) The workers had to work in the factories, which were poorly ventilated, poorly lighted and were extremely unhealthy. They had to work for 16 hours a day without any break.
(ii) Most of the factories were located in dirty and unhealthy places so they caused many diseases to the workers.
(iii) The workers were very low paid and it was difficult for them to make their both ends meet.
Q) The Industrial Revolution was the beginning of a "Machine Age". Justify.
The Industrial Revolution began in England in the later half of the 18th century. Many machines such as the air pump, printing press, spinning wheel and the plough were in use prior to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. But the machines began to replace men and animals in the production of goods and commodities soon after the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.
The new inventions not only proved effective but also developed so speedily that they changed the thinking and ways of living of the people all over the world. Hence it is aptly said that Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of the "Machine Age".
Q) Discuss the Factors because of which the Industrial Revolution began first in England.
Ans)
The Industrial Revolution started first of all in England. The factors are:
1. The British traders had been doing the trade in foreign countries for a long time. Thus they had accumulated sufficient capital which is the primary need for establishing the factories and industries.
2. England had plenty of natural resources like iron and coal which are essential for industries.
3. England had established a large number of new colonies from where she could get the cheap raw material. These colonies could also serve as best markets to sell their finished goods.
4. England had developed a large and big shipping industry which solved the problem of transporting the things to far away countries.
5. Due to Agrarian Revolution, many agriculturists went out of the job. Such people supplied the factory owners with cheap labour.
6. The English people were quite enterprising, energetic and hard working. So they made inventions of new machines and started the industries.
: Q) What is meant by Trade-Unions ? Discuss the aim which they were formed.
Ans)
1. The meaning of Trade-Unions :
After the advent of the Industrial Revolution, the conditions of the workers, who worked the factories became miserable. As the Government failed to help them they themselves organized into Trade Unions. So, the Trade Unions were the associations of the workers which came into existence for the betterment of the workers.
2. Aims of the formation of Trade Unions :
(i) To fight the injustice and mal-practies in the Industrialists.
(ii) To fight for regulating the hours of work for the workers and labourers.
(iii) To fight for the higher wages for workers.
(iv) To demand the better service facilities and working conditions.
(v) These were formed for maintaining the harmonious relations between the employers and the employees.
Q) Explain factors responsible for the Industrial Revolution in England. Bring out its social and economical consequences. Or Describe the major consequences of Industrial Revolution in Europe.
Ans)
I. The factors responsible for Industrial Revolution in England :
(i) Capital : The British traders had been trading in foreign countries for a long time. So, they had the sufficient capital for the establishment of the industries.
(ii) Natural resources : England had plenty of natural resources like iron and coal which are essential for the industries.
(iii) Control over colonies : British had established a large number of new colonies from where she could get the cheap raw material and they could also serve as markets to sell the finished goods.
(iv) Shipping industry : England had developed a large shipping industry which solved the problems of transporting the things to far away countries.
(v) Agrarian revolution : Due to this many agriculturists went out of job. Such people supplied the cheap labour to the factories.
(vi) The initiative of the English People : The English people were quite enterprising, energetic and hard working. So, they made inventions of new machines and started the industries.
II. Social and Economic consequences of the Industrial Revolution :
(i) Promotion of arts and culture : The Industrial Revolution brought more leisure to man. This spare time was utilized for the promotion of arts and culture in the society.
(ii) The division of society : As a result of the Industrial Revolution the society was divided into two distinct classes-the capitalist and the labourers. The rich become more rich and poor became more poor.
(iii) Insanitary condition in the towns : As a large number of people shifted from villages to industrial towns and as such the towns became over crowded. There was no arrangement for proper houses, sanitation, ventilation, drainage, etc. In short the workers lived in the miserable conditions.
(iv) Unsatisfactory condition of the Factory Workers : The workers had to work in factories which were poorly ventilated, poorly lighted and were extremely unhealthy.
(v) Exploitation of Women and Children : Women and children were employed in large number of the factories, as they were cheaper and easy to manage.
III. Economic Consequences :
(i) Increase in the National Income : The industrial production led to the production of goods on a large scale which began to be sold in other countries. It increased the national wealth of the Industrialized countries, particularly that of England.
(ii) Growth of Agriculture : Introduction of machinery, better seeds, new crops, the use of fertilizers, etc. led to the growth in agriculture. Now the farmers started producing the cash crops on a large scale and became rich.
(iii) Improvement in the Standard of Living : Due to Industrial Revolution people became rich. Good quality of goods were now available at cheaper rates. New means of transport and communication i.e. Automobiles, Railways, Ships, Telegraphs and Telephones etc. made man's life richer, comfortable and happier. It raised the standard of living of the people.
(iv) Increase in Population : The Industrial Revolution increased the national wealth, raised the standard of living. Thus made life more convenient and luxurious. The new inventions helped in checking the various diseases and ultimately led to an increase in population.
[: Q) How the trading companies like the East India Company made themselves into political powers in South Asia ?
Ans)
In South Asia, trading companies like the East India Company made themselves into political power, defeated local rulers and annexed their territories.
They retained the older well-developed administrative system and collected taxes from landowners.
Later they built railways to make trade easier, excavated mines and established big plantations.
protest movement Related: Revision Notes - The Industrial Revolution,...
The Protest Movement during the Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution, a significant social and economic transformation took place as societies transitioned from agrarian-based economies to industrialized ones. This period witnessed the emergence of a protest movement due to the various social, economic, and political challenges faced by the working class. The protest movement sought to address these issues and advocate for better working conditions, rights, and equality.
Causes of the Protest Movement
1. Low wages and poor working conditions: The working class faced long hours of labor, low wages, and dangerous working conditions in factories and mines.
2. Child labor: Children as young as six or seven were often employed in factories, working under hazardous conditions and for extended hours.
3. Urbanization and overcrowding: Rapid industrialization led to the migration of people from rural areas to cities, resulting in overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions.
4. Lack of labor rights: Workers had limited or no rights to form trade unions, bargain collectively, or negotiate better working conditions.
5. Class inequality: The industrial revolution widened the gap between the wealthy factory owners and the impoverished working class, leading to social unrest.
Forms of Protest
1. Labour unions and strikes: Workers formed labor unions to collectively bargain for better wages, improved working conditions, and shorter hours. Strikes were often organized to put pressure on employers and demand change.
2. Chartism: The Chartist movement emerged in the mid-19th century, advocating for political rights and universal suffrage. They presented petitions to the government and organized mass rallies and demonstrations.
3. Luddism: Luddites were skilled workers who protested against the introduction of machinery and automation, fearing the loss of jobs and livelihoods.
4. Reform movements: Various reform movements, such as the Factory Acts, aimed to improve working conditions, restrict child labor, and regulate the hours of work.
5. Political activism: Activists like Robert Owen and Karl Marx advocated for workers' rights and the establishment of socialism or communism.
Impact and Legacy
The protest movement during the Industrial Revolution played a crucial role in improving the conditions of the working class. It led to the formation of labor unions, the enactment of labor laws, and the recognition of workers' rights. The movement also laid the foundation for future social and political reforms, shaping the modern labor movement and the fight for workers' rights.
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