History The Industrial Revolution Study Cards

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Industrial Revolution

A period of rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and social changes that occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily in Europe and North America.

Steam Engine

An invention by James Watt that revolutionized transportation and manufacturing by harnessing the power of steam to generate mechanical energy.

Textile Industry

The industry involved in the production of fabrics and textiles, which experienced significant mechanization and factory-based production during the Industrial Revolution.

Factory System

A system of manufacturing that centralized production in large factories, employing workers and machinery to increase efficiency and output.

Urbanization

The process of population shift from rural areas to urban centers, fueled by the growth of industries and job opportunities in cities during the Industrial Revolution.

Child Labor

The employment of children in factories and mines, often in hazardous conditions and for long hours, which was prevalent during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution.

Laissez-faire

An economic doctrine that advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy, allowing free market forces to determine prices, wages, and production.

Capitalism

An economic system characterized by private ownership of resources and means of production, with profit-driven production and competitive markets.

Socialism

An economic and political ideology that advocates for collective ownership and democratic control of resources and means of production, aiming for a more equitable distribution of wealth.

Karl Marx

A philosopher, economist, and political theorist who co-authored 'The Communist Manifesto' and developed the theory of Marxism, critiquing capitalism and advocating for a classless society.

Adam Smith

A Scottish economist and philosopher known as the father of modern economics, who wrote 'The Wealth of Nations' and advocated for free markets and the division of labor.

James Hargreaves

An English inventor who invented the spinning jenny, a key invention in the textile industry that allowed for the simultaneous spinning of multiple threads.

Eli Whitney

An American inventor known for inventing the cotton gin, a machine that revolutionized cotton production by efficiently separating cotton fibers from seeds.

Thomas Edison

An American inventor and businessman who developed numerous devices and technologies, including the phonograph, electric light bulb, and motion picture camera.

Assembly Line

A manufacturing process in which a product is assembled in a sequential manner, with each worker performing a specific task, leading to increased efficiency and mass production.

Steamboat

A type of boat powered by steam engines, which revolutionized transportation and trade by enabling faster and more reliable travel on rivers and oceans.

Railway

A system of tracks and trains used for transportation of goods and passengers, which played a crucial role in the expansion of trade and industrialization during the Industrial Revolution.

Telegraph

An electrical communication device that transmitted coded messages over long distances using telegraph wires, greatly improving long-distance communication and facilitating business transactions.

Capital

Financial assets or resources used in the production of goods and services, such as money, machinery, buildings, and raw materials.

Industrialization

The process of developing industries and transitioning from an agrarian economy to a manufacturing-based economy, characterized by the use of machinery and mass production.

Trade Unions

Organizations formed by workers to protect their rights and advocate for better working conditions, wages, and benefits, particularly during the Industrial Revolution.

Reform Movements

Social and political movements that aimed to bring about positive changes in society, addressing issues such as child labor, working conditions, and suffrage during the Industrial Revolution.

Great Exhibition

The first international exhibition of manufactured products held in London in 1851, showcasing technological advancements and industrial achievements of the time.

Enclosure Movement

A series of laws and practices in England that consolidated and enclosed common lands, leading to the privatization of land and the displacement of rural communities.

Cottage Industry

A system of production in which goods are produced by individuals or families in their homes, often with the use of simple tools and equipment, before being sold or traded.

Factory Acts

A series of laws passed in the United Kingdom during the 19th century to regulate working conditions, hours, and child labor in factories, aiming to improve the welfare of workers.

Industrial Revolution in America

The period of industrialization and economic growth in the United States, characterized by the expansion of factories, railroads, and the rise of capitalism.

Women in the Industrial Revolution

The role of women in the Industrial Revolution, including their participation in factory work, labor movements, and the fight for women's rights and suffrage.

Working Class

The social class comprising individuals who perform manual labor and are typically paid wages, often facing difficult working conditions and limited social mobility during the Industrial Revolution.

Middle Class

The social class between the working class and the upper class, consisting of professionals, business owners, and skilled workers, who experienced upward mobility during the Industrial Revolution.

Mass Production

The production of goods in large quantities using standardized processes and machinery, allowing for increased efficiency, lower costs, and the availability of affordable products.

Industrial Revolution in Europe

The period of industrialization and economic transformation in Europe, characterized by the growth of factories, urbanization, and significant social changes.

Coal Mining

The extraction of coal from underground mines, which was a crucial industry during the Industrial Revolution, providing fuel for steam engines and powering industrial processes.

Iron and Steel Industry

The industry involved in the production of iron and steel, which experienced significant growth and technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution.

Inventors and Innovators

Individuals who developed and improved upon inventions and technologies during the Industrial Revolution, contributing to the rapid advancements and changes of the time.

Social Changes

The profound changes in society and social structures brought about by the Industrial Revolution, including shifts in population, urbanization, and the emergence of new social classes.

Transportation Revolution

The period of significant advancements in transportation, including the development of canals, railways, steamboats, and improved road networks, facilitating trade and travel during the Industrial Revolution.

Global Impact

The far-reaching effects of the Industrial Revolution on a global scale, including economic changes, colonization, and the spread of industrialization to other regions of the world.

Environmental Impact

The ecological consequences of the Industrial Revolution, including pollution, deforestation, and the depletion of natural resources, leading to concerns about sustainability and environmental conservation.

Industrial Revolution in Asia

The process of industrialization and economic transformation in various Asian countries, including Japan, China, and India, influenced by Western technologies and industrial practices.

Industrial Revolution in Africa

The impact of industrialization and colonialism on the African continent, characterized by the extraction of resources, forced labor, and the disruption of traditional economies and societies.

Industrial Revolution in Latin America

The period of industrialization and economic changes in Latin American countries, influenced by foreign investments, trade, and the growth of urban centers.

Industrial Revolution in Russia

The process of industrialization and modernization in Russia, marked by the growth of factories, urbanization, and social changes, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Industrial Revolution in Japan

The rapid industrialization and modernization of Japan during the Meiji period, influenced by Western technologies and practices, leading to significant economic and social transformations.

Industrial Revolution in China

The impact of industrialization and modernization in China, characterized by the growth of factories, railways, and the emergence of new industries, influenced by Western powers and technologies.

Industrial Revolution in India

The process of industrialization and economic changes in India, influenced by British colonial rule, leading to the growth of industries, railways, and the emergence of a modern economy.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The lasting impact of the Industrial Revolution on society, economy, and technology, shaping the modern world and laying the foundation for further advancements and changes.