The Social and Economic Changes of Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution

Running head: INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
The Social and Economic Changes of Birmingham during the Industrial Revolution
Name of the student:
Name of the university:
Author note:

1INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Executive summary
This study is on the industrial revolution, which first took place in Britain. The study specifically
discusses the industrial revolution in Birmingham. To fulfill the purpose, the study progresses
particularly focusing on key events such as the construction of the Grand Junction Railways, The
Soho manufactory etc.

2INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................3
Body:................................................................................................................................................4
1. Soho plant (the first industrial plant of Birmingham).............................................................4
2. The creation of the Grand Junction Railways..........................................................................6
3. The social changes in the city such as the evolution of the workforce and the expansion of
the classes (bigger gap between classes).....................................................................................9
3.1 How women gained more freedoms and how the children of the city were treated as far
as if they went to work or not given their social class...........................................................11
3.2 How was education affected by this industrial revolution?.............................................13
Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................14
References......................................................................................................................................16

3INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Introduction:
The industrial revolution in simple terms is a prolonged process of transition of
manufacturing systems, facilities, and technologies. Industrial revolution is still a debatable topic
for its actual start and the end date. Historians in particular are still in debates for the same as
stated just before this line. However, it is largely considered that the period from about 1760 to
the half of the 19th century was the era of industrial revolution1. Hand production methods were
being converted over this long period of time into new iron production and chemical
manufacturing processes. It also involved the emergence and rise of the factory system, an
increasing use of steam power, and the development of machine tools. Textiles were the
dominant industry as it experienced a relatively major transition in the era of industrial
revolution. The transition in the textile industry did affect the employment, capital invested, and
the value of output. The industry was also the first to have ever used and deployed the modern
production methods. It began in Great Britain2. Notably, many technological innovations have its
root in Britain. As a result of which Britain emerged the world’s leading commercial nation by
the mid of the 18th century. It controlled the global trading empire with colonies in the Caribbean
and North America3. It also had its political influence on the Indian Subcontinent, which it did by
actively promoting the operation of East India Company4. To summarize, Industrial Revolution
was majorly a result of the rise of business and the development of trade.
1 Parker, Lee D., and Richard K. Fleischman. What is Past is Prologue: Cost Accounting in the British Industrial
Revolution, 4. Routledge, 2017.
2 Hartwell, Ronald Max. The causes of the Industrial Revolution in England 1. Routledge, 2017.
3 McFarlane, Anthony. British in the Americas 1480-1815, The 40. Routledge, 2014.
4 Rahman, Aziz, Mohsin Ali, and Saad Kahn. "The British Art of Colonialism in India: Subjugation and
Division." Peace and Conflict Studies 25, no. 1 (2018): 1.