Kumale Fufa

Mr. Gonzalez

AP Euro History (3)

3/30/17

Growth of Industrialization in Great Britain

There were many factors that had an impact on the growth of industrialization in Great

Britain during the first half of the nineteenth century. Britain had access to a number of natural

resources, such as iron and coal. The agricultural sector of the British economy had been steadily

growing during the 18th century. Agricultural stability allowed the British population to increase.

Population growth created a number of new opportunities. There were new markets for products.

There was a larger labour market. Economic stability allowed British businessmen to take risks

and invest in new enterprises, encourage investments and discover new overseas markets.

Britain is an island rich in natural resources. Three key natural resources for the Industrial

Revolution were iron, coal and waterways. Iron was the main material used in industrial

machinery. The Industrial Revolution grew from innovations made in iron-making techniques.

Coal was another important natural resource. Coal was used to power steam engines.

Improvements in steam-engine technology resulted in a more effective usage of coal.Britain was

home to large deposits of iron and coal. These two minerals were the key to the Industrial

Revolution. Since iron and coal did not have to be imported, the British economy did not suffer

any shortages and the Industrial Revolution gained momentum.There are a number of rivers in

Britain. In the years leading to the Industrial Revolution, water was used as a source of power

and as a mode of transportation. Water provided energy to power mills (such as watermills),
precursors to steam engines and machines. Britain's waterways also played an important role in

the transportation of goods when canals were constructed.Britain's economy was based on

agriculture. In the 19th century, agricultural production was on the rise. Greater agricultural

productivity meant more food for the British people. With increased food, health improved. This

led to an increase in the size of the British population and, consequently, the labour force.

Population growth created a number of new opportunities. The first census was taken in

1801, and a systematic registration of births, deaths, and marriages was begun in 1836. The

population had risen 48%. There were new markets for products. There was a larger labour

market. Economic stability allowed British businessmen to take risks and invest in new

enterprises, encourage investments and discover new overseas markets. This created a new

entrepreneurial ethic.

British workers began to save money. This increased their capital, money which could be

invested later. People began to experiment with improving farming techniques and other new

technologies to increase profit. Britain's economic stability, brought about by natural resources,

agricultural production and increased wealth, allowed British businessmen the opportunity to

invest in the development of innovations. Increased investment led to a surge in development.

In the 19th century, Britain was a land of opportunity. Britain had access to a large

number of natural resources, access that increased with the acquisition of overseas colonies.

Political stability and freedom of thought allowed a number of inventors to develop new

technology. Wealthy businessmen invested in these technologies.