ECONOMICS ASSIGNMENT

Name- Tanu Yadav

Course - B.A. Hons Political Science
Roll No.-2022/1222
Subject -Economics GE
Submitted to Prof. Dr Nandini Dutta

Question: How would you explain the fact that the early phase of the
Industrial Revolution in Great Britain was led by the cotton textile
industry? How was this phase different from the second phase of
industrialisation led by coal and steel?

Answer:

Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution signifies the shift from a primarily agricultural

and craft-based economy to a predominantly industrial and machine-
driven manufacturing system in modern history.This process began in
Britain in the 18th century and from there spread to other parts of the
world.The main features involved in the Industrial Revolution were
technological, socioeconomic, and cultural. The technological changes
included the following:
(1) The use of new basic materials, chiefly iron and steel.
(2) the use of new energy sources, including both fuels and motive
power, such as coal, the steam engine, electricity, petroleum, and the
internal-combustion engine.
(3) the invention of new machines, such as the spinning jenny and the
power loom that permitted increased production with a smaller
expenditure of human energy.
(4) a new organization of work known as the factory system, which
entailed the increased division of labour and specialization of function.
(5) important developments in transportation and communication,
including the steam locomotive, steamship, automobile, airplane,
telegraph, and radio.
(6) the increasing application of science to industry. These technological
changes made possible a tremendously increased use of natural
resources and the mass production of manufactured goods.
The main drivers of the Industrial Revolution were textile
manufacturing, iron founding, steam power, oil drilling, the discovery of
electricity and its many industrial applications, the telegraph and many
others.
Before the 18th century, the manufacture of cloth was performed by
individual workers, in the premises in which they lived and goods were
transported around the country by packhorses or by river navigations
and contour-following canals that had been constructed in the early 18th
century. In the mid-18th century, artisans were inventing ways to
become more productive. Silk, wool, and linen fabrics were being
eclipsed by cotton which became the most important textile.
The early phase of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain was marked
by a profound shift in economic and social structures, with the cotton
textile industry playing a pivotal role in driving this transformative
period. This period, spanning from the late 18th to the early 19th
century, saw a departure from traditional agrarian and handicraft-based
economies to a landscape dominated by industry and machine
manufacturing.

One key factor in the ascendancy of the cotton textile industry was the
ready availability of raw cotton, primarily sourced from the British
colonies. The triangular trade routes facilitated a continuous supply of
cotton from plantations in the Americas to British textile manufacturers.
This abundant and relatively inexpensive raw material laid the
foundation for the growth of the textile industry, as it provided the
essential input for the production of cotton goods. The cotton textile
industry was at the forefront of technological innovation during the late
18th century. Inventions such as the spinning jenny, water frame, and
power loom revolutionized the production of cotton textiles. These
technological advancements allowed for increased efficiency and scale
in textile manufacturing, making it a driving force of industrialization.

Technological innovations played a crucial role in propelling the cotton

textile industry to the forefront of the Industrial Revolution. Inventions
such as the spinning jenny and the power loom revolutionized the
manufacturing process, increasing efficiency and output. The spinning
jenny, developed by James Hargreaves in the 1760s, allowed a single
worker to operate multiple spinning wheels simultaneously, significantly
boosting yarn production. Subsequently, the power loom, invented by
Edmund Cartwright in 1785, mechanized the weaving process, further
enhancing the industry's capacity to produce textiles on a large scale.
The cotton textile industry was at the forefront of technological
innovation during the late 18th century. Inventions such as the spinning
jenny, water frame, and power loom revolutionized the production of
cotton textiles. These technological advancements allowed for increased
efficiency and scale in textile manufacturing, making it a driving force
of industrialization.

These technological advancements not only increased productivity but

also reduced the reliance on manual labor, contributing to the overall
shift from agrarian economies to industrialized urban centers. The cotton
textile industry, with its adoption of machinery, became a symbol of the
mechanization that characterized the Industrial Revolution.

The geographical and demographic conditions of Great Britain further

fueled the dominance of the cotton textile industry. The presence of fast-
flowing rivers provided a source of water power for early factories,
facilitating the mechanized production processes. Additionally, Britain
had a growing population of skilled and semi-skilled workers who were
drawn to the employment opportunities offered by the expanding textile
mills.

The factory system, characterized by the concentration of machinery and

labor in a centralized location, became a hallmark of the cotton textile
industry. This departure from dispersed, small-scale production marked
a fundamental shift in economic organization. Factories, powered by
water and later steam engines, allowed for increased scale of production,
leading to the establishment of industrial towns and urban centers
around manufacturing hubs.

Social and economic factors also contributed to the prominence of the

cotton textile industry in the early Industrial Revolution. The demand for
cotton goods, both domestically and internationally, grew substantially.
Cotton textiles became a key component of Britain's global trade, as the
nation exported finished products to various markets. The economic
success of the industry attracted investment and entrepreneurial activity,
further driving technological innovation and expansion.

Furthermore, the rise of capitalism played a pivotal role in shaping the

trajectory of the cotton textile industry. The capitalist system,
characterized by private ownership of the means of production and a
profit-driven motive, provided the economic framework for industrial
growth. Entrepreneurs and industrialists sought to maximize profits by
investing in machinery and technology, thereby increasing efficiency
and output. The cotton textile industry, with its profitability and
potential for expansion, became a focal point for capitalist endeavors
during this transformative period.

The impact of the cotton textile industry extended beyond economic

realms to influence social structures and urbanization. The shift from
agrarian life to industrial employment led to the migration of rural
populations to urban centers, resulting in the rapid growth of industrial
towns. This migration, while providing labor for the burgeoning
factories, also brought about significant social challenges, including
poor working conditions, overcrowded housing, and inadequate
sanitation.

Rising demand in the market

The Industrial Revolution brought about significant social and economic
changes, including the emergence and growth of the middle class. This
socio-economic group, situated between the aristocracy and the working
class, experienced increased purchasing power and a desire for
consumer goods. Cotton textiles, being relatively affordable due to
industrialization, became a symbol of status and fashion for the
burgeoning middle class. Due to increase in population and foreign
trade, the demand in the overall. economy grew, which exerted an
upward pressure on prices and therefore gave producers an incentive to
produce more by whatever means they thought fit, such as installing
machinery. Some say the shift in consumer tastes towards industrial
goods might also be a factor. Some say supply-side factors were behind
it. They say,forces on the supply side cheapened the cost of production
and hence widened the market. And the cost of production became
cheaper due to, the more availability of capital, labour, improvement in
technology, and finally, entrepreneurship, the willingness to take risks in
developing business.

Urbanization:
The process of urbanization, with people moving from rural areas to
cities in search of employment in the burgeoning factories, had a
profound impact on the demand for textiles. Urban centers became hubs
of economic activity and cultural exchange. The concentration of people
in cities increased the need for ready-made clothing, as opposed to the
traditional practice of making clothes at home.

The early phase of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain was

characterized by a complex interplay of technological innovation,
economic factors, and social changes, with the cotton textile industry at
its forefront. The availability of raw cotton, technological advancements,
geographical conditions, and the rise of capitalism converged to propel
the industry to a position of prominence. As the cotton textile industry
flourished, it set the stage for the broader industrial transformation that
would shape the course of modern history.
The first phase of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, dominated by the
textile industry, had profound and far-reaching impacts on various
aspects of society, economy, and culture. Here are some key impacts:

Economic Transformation:

Growth of Industrial Capitalism: The industrialization of the textile

sector marked the rise of industrial capitalism, with entrepreneurs
investing in and profiting from the mechanized production of goods.
Increased Productivity and Output: Technological advancements in
the textile industry significantly increased productivity and output,
leading to economic expansion and the creation of wealth.

Urbanization:

Rise of Industrial Cities: The concentration of textile factories in

specific regions led to the rapid growth of industrial cities. Cities like
Manchester and Birmingham became centers of manufacturing,
attracting a large rural population seeking employment in factories.
Social Changes:

Shift in Labor Patterns: The transition from cottage industries to

factory-based production marked a significant shift in labor patterns.
Workers moved from decentralized home-based work to centralized
factories, impacting social structures and family dynamics.
Emergence of the Working Class: The factory system gave rise to a
new working class, often subjected to challenging working conditions
and long hours. Labor movements and efforts to improve working
conditions would emerge in response to these changes.
Technological Advancements:

Spillover Effect: Technological innovations in the textile industry had a

spillover effect, influencing other sectors of the economy. The success
of mechanized production methods in textiles set the stage for similar
advancements in industries like iron, coal, and transportation.

Global Trade and Imperialism:

Colonial Exploitation: The demand for raw materials, particularly

cotton, stimulated imperialistic pursuits as Britain sought to secure
colonies to ensure a steady supply of resources.
Expansion of Global Trade: British textiles became sought after not
only domestically but also internationally. The export of manufactured
goods played a crucial role in Britain's economic dominance and global
trade relationships.

Infrastructure Development:

Transportation Networks: The need to transport raw materials and

finished products spurred the development of transportation networks.
Canals and later railways were constructed to facilitate the movement of
goods, connecting industrial centers with ports and markets.

Cultural Changes:

Changing Lifestyles: The availability of affordable textiles and the shift

towards mass production influenced consumer habits and lifestyles.
Ready-made clothing became more accessible to a broader population,
impacting fashion trends and daily life.
Thus, the dominance of the textile industry in the early phase of the
Industrial Revolution in Britain set in motion a series of transformative
changes, laying the groundwork for the broader industrialization that
would follow and shaping the economic, social, and cultural landscape
of the time.

In conclusion, the early phase of the Industrial Revolution in Great

Britain was marked by the ascendancy of the cotton textile industry as a
driving force behind the transformative changes in the economy.
Technological innovations, access to raw materials, a growing
population, transportation infrastructure, and favorable economic
conditions collectively propelled the industry forward. However, this
period of industrialization also brought about significant social and
cultural changes, laying the groundwork for the complex interplay
between technological progress, economic development, and societal
transformation that would characterize the subsequent stages of the
Industrial Revolution.

How is it different from 2nd phase??

In contrast, the second phase of industrialization, often associated with

the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was led by coal and steel. This
period marked a shift towards heavy industry and the increased use of
steam power. The widespread adoption of the steam engine, powered by
coal, revolutionized various industries by providing a more reliable and
potent source of energy. Coal also played a crucial role in powering the
iron and steel industry, which became foundational for infrastructure,
construction, and transportation. After 1825, for some time the rapid rate
of path-breaking inventions slowed down. Then again in the period of
the late nineteenth century, some major technological developments took
place which again affected the economy in a very drastic manner, and
that period is remembered as the second industrial revolution. The key
difference between first and second industrial revolution is that the first
industrial revolution was centered on Textiles, steam power, and iron
while the second was centered on steel, railroads, petroleum, chemicals
and electricity. First and second industrial revolutions can be considered
as the turning points in the development of human history.

Technological differences between first and second Industrial

Revolution

Throughout the epoch of first and second Industrial Revolution,

technology played a very major role in naming those periods as
revolutionary. Theperiod of first industrial revolution saw major
technological developments in the fields of textile,steam power, iron
making and in various other fields.The period of second industrial
revolution saw major technological developments in the fields of steel,
chemicals, electricity and in various other fields.

The second phase differed from the earlier textile-led industrialization in

terms of the nature of industries dominating the economic landscape.
While the cotton textile industry remained significant, the focus
expanded to include coal mining, iron, and steel production. Heavy
industry became a driving force, shaping the physical and economic
landscape of industrialized nations.

In the period of second industrial revolution the textile industry progress

was regular and not marked by considerable advances. Some chief
developments were the development of sewing machine, development of
Donisthrope Nip machine, Heilmann combing machine and the
development of traveller. All these developments led to the increase in
the productivity, these technologies later came in the use of making
shoes and made the quality of product better by using less effort. During
the period of first industrial revolution, major technological
developments happened in the metallurgy industry, in this era wood and
other biofuels were replaced by coal. And benefits of using coal were
that, for a certain quantity of heat, coal mine required a considerably
smaller amount labor than cutting wood. And in this period only, the
technique of Reverberatory Furnace was developed which could
cropshaped iron consuming excavated coal. The advantage of this
Furnace was that, while mining the coal, burning coal continued to
remain unconnected from the iron ore and consequently did not pollute
the iron with contaminations like ash and Sulphur. Due to this
advantage, iron production increased immensely and also iron got much
cheaper than it was before. And this development helped numerous
industries, for example those making hinges, nails, wire and other
hardware.

The second phase was characterized by the development of large-scale

factories and increased mechanization in various industries beyond
textiles. Innovations such as Bessemer process for steel production
further fueled industrial growth. This period also witnessed the rise of
industrial tycoons and the consolidation of large corporations with
significant economic influence.

Moreover, the second phase of industrialization had profound

implications for urbanization and labor relations. The growth of
heavy industry led to the establishment of industrial cities, drawing large
numbers of workers to urban areas. The working conditions in factories
and mines often sparked labor movements advocating for better rights
and improved working conditions.
Leaving behind all the innovations which happened in the field of iron
making during the age of the first Industrial Revolution, the phase of
second industrial revolution saw the development of steel. Till 1850, the
phase of iron had become fully recognized. But for various usages
shaped iron was poorer to steel, the wear and tear on shaped iron
machine portions made them costly in usage, and for various practices,
particularly in construction and machines, shaped iron was inadequately
elastic and tenacious. And the difficulty remained to make steel. This
difficulty was resolved by Henry Bessemer in 1856. The Bessemer
converter took into consideration the point that the contaminations in
cast iron contained commonly of carbon, and this carbon can be taken
into use as a fuel if air were puffed through melted metal. With this
procedure, he prospered in putting the base of steel production. And then
numerous other inventions occurred which made the procedure of
steelmaking stress-free and class of steel improved. And steel got started
to be used in, buildings, ships, and railroad tracks by 1880/

Now coming to the transport industry, in the start of the industrial

revolution, the Internal Passage was used to be passable by roads and
rivers. It’s not that railways were not there during that time but railways
or wagons were only used for conveying coal to rivers. During industrial
revolution, the technology of making canals developed, which allowed
bulk material to be easily transported across the country. In the starting
of the industrial revolution, road system in Britain was ill maintained by
thousands of native communities, then new engineered roads were built
in the period of industrial revolution, and on those roads, heavy goods
were used to be transported through, broadly wheeled, carts pulled using
the team of horses. Lighter goods were transported through smaller
carts, stagecoaches used to carry well-off ones, and not-so-prosperous
can pay to journey on transporters’ wagons. With the development of the
technology of making lower cost pig and wrought iron, railways started
to expand. Highpressure steam engines made it possible to build steam
locomotives. With these developments, rail network did expand and
became convenient but still, there were problems, these problems were
sorted out during second industrial revolution. Due to the invention of
steel and its huge production in that period, rail could finally be able to
make from steel at the reasonable cost. Steel was considerably more
long-lasting material, had greater strength and that’s why lengthier rails
could now be easily trundled. All these factors, rail network expanded
like never before.

Consequences of second phase of Industrial Revolution

The second phase of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, marked by the

dominance of industries such as coal and steel, brought about significant
consequences that shaped the economic, social, and technological
landscape. Here are some key consequences:

Economic Growth and Global Influence: The second phase fueled

unprecedented economic growth, establishing Britain as an industrial
powerhouse. The expansion of industries like coal and steel contributed
to increased production, exports, and economic prosperity. Britain's
industrial dominance had global implications, influencing trade
relationships and geopolitical dynamics.

Urbanization and Population Shift: Urbanization continued to

accelerate as industrial cities expanded, attracting a growing population
seeking employment in coal mines, steel mills, and associated industries.
This led to significant demographic shifts, with more people moving
from rural areas to urban centers in search of work.

Infrastructure Development: The demand for coal and steel drove

extensive infrastructure development. The construction of railways,
bridges, and ports became crucial for the transportation of raw materials
and finished goods. This infrastructure not only facilitated industrial
processes but also connected regions and contributed to the
modernization of transportation networks.

Technological Advancements: The second phase was characterized by

continuous technological advancements. The Bessemer process
revolutionized steel production, making it more cost-effective and
enabling the construction of stronger structures. Advancements in steam
engines and machinery further increased efficiency across various
industries.

Labor Conditions and Workers' Movements: The growth of

industrialization brought both opportunities and challenges for the
workforce. While job opportunities expanded, many workers faced harsh
conditions, long hours, and low wages. In response to these challenges,
workers organized labor movements and unions to advocate for
improved working conditions, fair wages, and workers' rights.

Social and Cultural Changes: The second phase brought about social
and cultural changes. The urban environment, with its industrial centers
and diverse workforce, fostered new social structures and cultural
dynamics. The growth of the working class and the emergence of an
industrial middle class contributed to shifts in societal norms and values.

Environmental Impact: The reliance on coal as a primary energy

source had significant environmental consequences. Increased coal
consumption led to air and water pollution, impacting both human health
and the environment. The environmental challenges posed by
industrialization would become more pronounced in subsequent years.
Colonial Expansion and Imperialism: The demand for raw materials
and markets for finished goods drove colonial expansion. Britain sought
to secure colonies that could provide essential resources, furthering its
economic interests. The colonial territories became integral to the global
trade network and played a role in shaping the British Empire.

Innovation in Manufacturing and Production: The second phase

witnessed innovation in manufacturing processes, with a focus on mass
production and efficiency. Factories and industrial plants adopted new
methods to streamline production, leading to increased output and
economic growth.

Thus, the consequences of the second phase of the Industrial Revolution

were far-reaching, impacting economic structures, societal dynamics,
technological progress, and the environment. While it brought about
unprecedented growth and innovation, it also posed challenges related to
labor conditions, urbanization, and environmental sustainability. The
consequences of this phase laid the foundation for further industrial
development and shaped the course of modern history

In summary, the early phase of the Industrial Revolution in Great

Britain, led by the cotton textile industry, was characterized by the
mechanization of textile production, a reliance on water and steam
power, and the emergence of industrial urban centers. The second phase,
led by coal and steel, saw a shift towards heavy industry, the widespread
use of steam power, and the rise of industrial giants. Each phase marked
a distinct stage in the evolution of industrialization, with different
industries taking the lead and shaping the economic and social
landscapes of their respective periods.