In order to prevent the spread of industrial technology, Britain closed down companies suspected of sharing secrets. Economic strength, political stability, and Geography helped to prevent the spread of industrial technology. Britain also banned engineers and mechanics from leaving the country. During the industrial revolution, Britain had to fight many technological advances to stay competitive. Britain closed many of these companies, and they were all forced to close down their operations.
Britain closed companies suspected of sharing secrets
In the 1760s, the Industrial Revolution began in England. It started with textiles and spread throughout the world. America was interested in Britain’s new technologies, but the War of 1812 blocked trade and forced it to develop its own industries. In response, the British closed companies suspected of sharing secrets in order to keep industrial technology from spreading to the United States. This stomped out the competition and helped Britain become the industrial powerhouse it is today.
Economic strength
The Industrial Revolution brought increased economic output and improved the lives of many middle and upper class citizens. However, mechanization of labor created dangerous and tedious factory work. Many workers were forced to work long hours for low wages. Opposition to industrialization was fueled by the dramatic changes. The “Luddites” were famous for violently protesting against changes in the textile industry. The British government responded to the threat of industrialization by imposing economic regulations.
In a capitalist economy, technological development was driven by private profit. In Britain, manufacturers were free to practice their trades without government intervention. However, this trend did not extend to other countries and eventually led to the spread of industrial technology. While Britain had an advantage in terms of industrialization, other countries were unable to compete with it, even though they had a high potential for economic growth.
Political stability
The industrial revolution began in Britain, a proud, wealthy, and open nation. The industrial era gave rise to powerful industrialists, who remade the world through their machinery. The landowning elite controlled most of the economic and political power, but did little to contribute to the rise of a “proletariat.” Their wealth was created on the backs of others, and it did not trickle down to the people. But this change was a necessary evil for the development of the digital revolution, which is a huge step in the right direction.
The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new age of industry, one that would lead to the rapid development of the British economy and influence the rest of Western Europe. The advent of mass-production methods, access to raw materials, and trade routes enabled Britain to become the world’s largest commercial nation. It even had colonies in North America and the Caribbean, and was one of the most powerful powers in the world, with political influence in India.
Geography helped stop the spread of industrial technology
The Industrial Revolution was born out of the growing need for cheap labour, and the increase in population caused the development of new industries. Britain’s turnpike road system, canals, and railways made raw materials and finished products more easily accessible. The new transportation methods made it possible to spread new ideas and products rapidly. The first railroad, which travelled between Manchester and Liverpool, began operating in 1820, and by 1830, over six thousand miles of rail had been built. Construction of these railroads grew into an industry of its own, spurred by profitable investments.
The Industrial Revolution began in England during the 18th century, and continues to this day. However, the industrialization of the world has created new “Asian Tigers” – countries in Asia that exploit cheap labor to manufacture goods in large numbers. As these countries developed, others in Asia began developing key sectors, like agriculture and textiles. By the 1950s, nearly 75% of the English population was employed in agriculture, and the rest was affluent, middle class, or wealthy.
Impact on urbanization
The Industrial Revolution has been an important force in the development of cities worldwide, bringing economic growth and job opportunities to a large number of people. Cities in the northeast and Midwest were major manufacturing centers, containing huge factories that built railroad locomotives and small textile factories that operated out of people’s apartments. As the economy grew, other industries followed, creating even more jobs and housing demand. After the Industrial Revolution, a new wave of immigrants from the rural areas moved to cities seeking paid work, creating a vast number of crowded, polluted, and disease-ridden slums.
Regardless of the advantages of industrialization, rapid population growth poses several challenges. Many cities experience increased poverty and unemployment, which can create an atmosphere of poor living conditions and increased crime. Lack of affordable housing is a major problem, and rapid growth often leaves cities without adequate infrastructures. Moreover, a rapidly growing population can lead to problems like pollution, poor sanitation, and poor nutrition. This creates a perfect storm of unplanned urbanization.
