Chapter 17 (pages 827 - 861)

Chapter 17 (pages 827 – 861)

The Industrial Revolution was the start of using fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas that replaced the reliance on endlessly renewable energy sources of wind, water, wood and the muscle power of people and animals. The industrial revolution started in the 18 century and not only did the reliance of fossil fuels begin but also innovations transformed the cotton textile production. Agriculture was also affected because chemicals fertilizers, pesticides and refrigeration became a major part of this industry and transformed its way of life. The industrial revolution grew into the 20^th century and involved a number of developing countries: Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The industrial revolution was the beginning to a continuous growth of new techniques and way of life that changed the environment forever.

Further into the chapter, Strayer discusses Britain during this time period and how its political life encouraged commercialization and economic innovation. Additionally, how religious toleration changed and people of other faiths were being more welcomed. He then goes on to discuss how the Scientific Revolution that occurred in Great Britain supported technological innovation. The technological innovations that occurred from the Scientific Revolution and on were revolutionary to Britain but also to other countries who looked to Britain for inspiration. However, most of the people who benefited from the industrial revolution were members of the middle class. The middle class itself was separated into people who were extremely wealthy factory and mine owners to bankers and merchants. In the middle class women all shared particularly the same role of being homemakers, wives and mothers.

Stayer then goes on to talk about the second half of the nineteenth century and how many countries were beginning to stabilize in their economy and growth. The technological innovations that were occurring during these time periods helped cut the sailing time between Britain and Argentina into almost half. This then allowed for things (goods and people) to move from place to place a lot quicker. The most significant economic outcome that came from this was the rapid growth of Latin America exports to the new industrializing economies. During this time Mexico was also supplying large amounts of silver to more than half of the world. Therefore, the industrial revolution that occurred was the beginning of dramatic change into how people lived their lives and the efficiency and pace at which their lives were to continue.