London Times
What is the Industrial Revolution?
The Industrial Revolution began its affects in 1760. Beginning in the land of Great Britain, it is the change from hand-made production to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron process. It also improved efficiency in water power, mainly steam power. Studies have shown that since the start of this Industrial Revolution that average income and the population have had a stable growth in numbers. Every aspect of daily life has been affected by the revolution in some way. The life expectancy up until 1750 was the ages from 40 to 50. After the start of the revolution the life expectancy are the ages from about 50 to 65. The industrial Revolution not only effected Great Britain but it effected the whole world.
Who are the Inventors?
Many inventors have taken part of the Industrial Revolution, but who are they? and what did they do? James Watt is a Scottish inventor of the Newcomen Steam Engine. Eli Whitney was an American inventor who invented the cotton gin, cotton is a new fast production crop that is now used in clothing. Henry Bessemer is an inventor from the great land of Britain and he made a new efficient way of the steel manufacturing process. Edward Jenner is also an English man, he is a physician who invented the smallpox vaccine, he is known as the "father of immunity." Louis Pasteur is a French chemist who discovered how disease breakouts and how to prevent catching a disease. All these inventors are contributors to the Industrial Revolution.
Did Their Inventions Help?
These inventions during the Industrial Revolution helped in many ways. The steam engine is very efficient and needs less fuel than a separate condenser, The invention of the cotton gin enabled a fast growing crop to be produced in high quantities, resulting in less costly clothing and more availability of clothing. A new steel manufacturing process creates more availability of steel, creating stronger trains, buildings, carriages, etc. Smallpox has affected many children and caused death in many as well. The development in a vaccine for smallpox has increased the population and allowed many children to live. The discovery of how disease breaks out and how to prevent disease, has allowed more sanitation and healthier lifestyles to occur and longer life expectancy.
How does the Industrial Revolution Effect Our Society?
There are many benefits from this Industrial Revolution, There is more clothing available due to the more availability of cotton, Living conditions have become more sanitary and healthy so that the life expectancy has risen as well. The Industrial Revolution has also cause many problems. Average labor hours are 10 hours a day, 12 for the steel factory workers. Even with the long hours, most workers do not have enough money for decent living, Most wealthy people live in large houses with vast amounts of land, but the poor live in cramped streets with little to have. the Industrial Revolution has both positive and negative effects on our society.