When we look back at history, the first industrial revolution is undoubtedly an important milestone. This revolution began around the mid-18th century, first occurred in England and gradually spread across the globe. So, what were the hallmarks of the first industrial revolution?
1. Machines replace manual labor
Before the First Industrial Revolution, production relied primarily on manual labor, with each person responsible for a portion of the work. However, with the invention and improvement of the steam engine, machines began to replace manual labor, and production efficiency was greatly improved.
Machines can do many jobs that cannot be done by hand, such as weaving, smelting, casting, etc. This led to a dramatic change in the mode of production and laid the foundation for later industrialization.
Second, the rise of the factory system
With the widespread application of machines, the factory system gradually emerged. Traditional cottage industries and workshops were replaced by large-scale factories. Workers began to work intensively in the factory, producing according to a strict schedule and management system.
The rise of this factory system changed the mode of production, but also changed the way people lived and the social structure. Workers began to leave home production and work in factories, forming new social groups.
Third, the process of urbanization is accelerating
With the rise of the factory system, a large number of people migrated from rural to urban areas, and the process of urbanization accelerated. Cities are growing rapidly in size and number, creating new challenges in urban planning, housing, health, transportation, and so on. The development of the city also promoted the prosperity of commerce and **, forming a new economic center.
Fourth, the innovation of transportation
The first industrial revolution also brought about a revolution in transportation. The advent of steam locomotives and railways made the transportation of goods and people more convenient and efficient.
This fostered economic ties between different regions and also accelerated the process of capitalist expansion and colonialism. Innovations in transportation have allowed goods to reach markets more quickly, facilitating the development of commerce.
Fifth, the formation of the world market
With the innovation of transportation and the improvement of production efficiency, the number and variety of goods have increased rapidly. This has contributed to the formation of a world market, and the most frequent exchanges between countries have become more frequent.
The formation of the world market has enabled the sharing of resources in different regions, which has promoted the development of the global economy. At the same time, it also accelerated the process of capitalist expansion and colonialism.
6. Application of science and technology
The First Industrial Revolution was also a period of close integration of science and technology with industrial production. The research results of many scientists and inventors are quickly applied to industrial production and translated into real productivity. For example, Newton's theory of mechanics provided the basis for the design of machines;Watt's steam engine is an important application of physics theory in industrial production.
The application of science and technology not only promotes the innovation of industrial production, but also promotes the development of science and technology itself. It laid the foundation for later technological developments and brought great changes to our lives today.