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Summary
The chapter explains the Industrial Revolution, a period during the 18th and 19th centuries when major changes occurred in industry. Before this time, goods were handmade, and production was done at home. The Industrial Revolution introduced the use of machines, leading to the factory system where workers were employed to operate these machines. This shift marked the transition from small-scale, domestic production to large-scale, machine-based production. The revolution began in England and eventually spread to other countries, bringing significant changes to political, social, and economic life.
Several factors contributed to the start of the Industrial Revolution in England. After the Renaissance and the Reformation, there was freedom for innovation, leading to the invention of machinery. England’s large colonial empire provided cheap raw materials and markets for its goods. The availability of natural resources, such as coal and iron, was crucial. The period of peace in Britain, while the rest of Europe was involved in Napoleonic wars, also allowed industries to thrive. Additionally, a large workforce became available as peasants who lost their land during the Agrarian Revolution moved to cities for jobs. An efficient transport system, bolstered by the invention of the steam engine, further supported industrial growth.
Capitalism grew alongside the Industrial Revolution, as it was driven by the need for capital to fund machinery and production. Capitalism is defined by private ownership of the means of production, where profit is the main motive. This system led to the creation of a new social class, the capitalists, who controlled the economy and the lives of workers.
The rise of capitalism, however, had negative effects on workers, leading to harsh working conditions, exploitation, and the loss of traditional jobs. The division of labor increased productivity but made factory work monotonous and stressful. Overcrowding in cities, due to migration for factory jobs, resulted in unsanitary living conditions and pollution.
In response to the exploitation under capitalism, socialism emerged. Socialism advocates for community or state ownership of the means of production, aiming to distribute wealth more fairly and eliminate class divisions. Early socialists and thinkers like Karl Marx envisioned a society where production was based on human needs rather than profit, leading to a classless society. Marx’s ideas, particularly those in his works like The Communist Manifesto, laid the foundation for socialist movements worldwide. Over time, socialism has evolved, with various forms existing today, aiming to balance the interests of workers and the state.
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Textbook (Total History) solutions
Multiple-Choice Questions
1. Which Revolution preceded the Industrial Revolution in England?
A. Green Revolution
B. Agrarian Revolution
C. Demographic Revolution
D. Happiness Revolution
Answer: B. Agrarian Revolution
2. Who invented “The Flying Shuttle” which increased the speed of weaving?
A. John Key
B. James Hargreaves
C. Richard Arkwright
D. Jenny
Answer: A. John Key
3. Which amongst the following did not lead to the Rise of Capitalism?
A. Legal Requirement
B. Trade Union Movement
C. Mass Production
D. Disappearance of Small Farmers
Answer: B. Trade Union Movement
4. Which of the following is not a cause for the rise of Socialism?
A. Trade Union Movement
B. Chartist Movement
C. Reaction to Capitalism
D. Rise of nation states
Answer: D. Rise of nation states
5. Who considered Capitalist society as a society divided between two classes—the working class and the employing class?
A. Karl Marx
B. Babeuf
C. Saint-Simon
D. Frederick Engels
Answer: A. Karl Marx
Select the correct relationship
1. (A) The Industrial Revolution first began in England and then spread to many other countries of the world.
(B) England had a large colonial empire to provide raw material at cheaper rates for her factories and to serve as a market for her manufactured goods.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The Industrial Revolution began in England partly because of its vast colonial empire. These colonies provided a steady supply of raw materials at low cost, which were essential for England’s growing industries. Additionally, the colonies served as markets for the manufactured goods produced by these industries. Therefore, the existence of the colonial empire was a significant reason for the onset of the Industrial Revolution in England.
2. (A) Capitalism is the economic system that generates and gives power to the capitalists.
(B) In capitalism, the means of production such as labour, raw material, tools, and machines are owned and controlled by the public.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (c) (A) is true but (B) is false
Explanation: Statement (A) correctly defines capitalism as an economic system that empowers capitalists, who own the means of production. However, statement (B) is incorrect because, in capitalism, the means of production are owned and controlled by private individuals or groups, not by the public. Thus, (A) is true, but (B) is false.
3. (A) Due to the Industrial Revolution, skilled labourers lost their jobs as new machines replaced them.
(B) Women and children were recruited in factories as they could be hired for very low wages.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Explanation: Statement (A) talks about the displacement of skilled labourers due to the introduction of machines, which reduced the need for manual craftsmanship. Statement (B) discusses the employment of women and children in factories due to their willingness to work for lower wages. While both statements describe effects of the Industrial Revolution, they are independent of each other, as one does not directly cause the other.
4. (A) Socialism is an economic system in which the means of production are owned by the community and in which all share fairly the wealth produced.
(B) The evil effects of Capitalism and the spirit of improving the conditions of workers gave rise to socialism.
(a) (B) contradicts (A)
(b) (B) is the reason for (A)
(c) (A) is true but (B) is false
(d) (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer: (b) (B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation: The emergence of socialism as an economic system was largely a reaction to the negative impacts of capitalism, such as worker exploitation and economic inequality. Socialism aimed to create a fairer system by ensuring that the wealth produced was shared among the community. Thus, statement (B) explains the motivation behind the establishment of socialism, making it the reason for (A).
Short Answer Questions
1. What is meant by the term, ‘Industrial Revolution’?
Answer: The term ‘Industrial Revolution’ denotes all those changes that took place in the field of industry during the second half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century. It marked a change from handwork to machine work and from the domestic system to the factory system of production.
2. Name any two consequences of the Industrial Revolution in the economic field.
Answer:
- The Industrial Revolution increased national wealth and raised the standard of living.
- It led to mass production, which destroyed the domestic system of production.
3. What is Capitalism?
Answer: Capitalism refers to the economic system in which the means of production like labour, raw material, tools, and machines are owned by private individuals or groups of them for profit.
4. Who was Karl Marx? Name his outstanding work.
Answer: Karl Marx was a German political philosopher and economist. His outstanding work is Das Kapital.
5. What is meant by Socialism?
Answer: Socialism is an economic system in which the means of production are owned not by private individuals but by the community, in order that all may share more fairly in the wealth produced.
6. How did the evil effects of Industrial Revolution help in the rise of Socialism?
Answer: As a result of the Industrial Revolution, the society was divided into two distinct classes—the capitalists and the socialists. The capitalists had their selfish interests and they began to exploit the workers. They paid them low wages and made them work for long hours. They amassed great wealth and began to lead a luxurious life at the cost of the workers. The rich were becoming richer and the poor, still poorer. This gulf went on widening and created social disharmony and ultimately led to struggle between the two classes. The socialists took the cause of the workers and tried to save them from the exploitation of the capitalists.
7. Mention any two effects of the Industrial Revolution on the general public.
Answer:
- The movement of people away from agriculture and into industrial cities brought great stress on the labour force.
- People moved from small villages and towns to work in factories located in cities. Cities became overcrowded and unsanitary.
8. Mention any two advantages of Industrialisation.
Answer:
- The Industrial Revolution increased the national wealth, raised the standard of living, and made life more comfortable.
- The widespread poverty and constant threat of mass starvation that had haunted the pre-industrial age reduced in industrial Britain.
9. Mention two negative effects of the Industrial Revolution on labourers.
Answer:
- Skilled labourers lost their jobs as new machines replaced them.
- Factory owners and managers paid the minimum amount necessary for a workforce, often recruiting women and children to tend the machines because they could be hired for very low wages.
10. Mention any two differences between ‘Capitalism and Socialism’.
Answer:
| Capitalism | Socialism |
|---|---|
| In Capitalism, production is for profit: useful goods and services are a by-product of pursuing profit. | In Socialism, production is for use: useful goods and services are produced specifically for their usefulness. |
| Private property in capital and other goods is the dominant form of property. | Two kinds of property: Personal property, such as houses, clothing, etc. owned by the individual. Public property includes factories, and means of production owned by the State but with worker control. |
Structured Questions
1. The Industrial Revolution marked a change from handwork to machine work and from domestic system of production to factory system of production. In this context, discuss the role of the following factors in ushering in the Industrial Revolution:
Answer:
(a) Invention of machines: The invention of machines was the starting point of the Industrial Revolution. John Key, a weaver of Lancashire, invented ‘The Flying Shuttle,’ which increased the speed of weaving. James Hargreaves invented a machine called the Spinning Jenny, which could spin eight threads at a time instead of one thread of the old-fashioned spinning wheel. Richard Arkwright invented the ‘Water Frame,’ which produced harder and stronger yarn than that of the Spinning Jenny and ushered in the factory system. The invention of the steam engine by James Watt revolutionized power, which was then used for transport both on land and sea.
(b) Availability of coal and iron: Natural resources such as iron and coal were available in England. The iron and coal mines were situated close to each other. Iron was used in making machines, and coal provided cheap fuel. Both these factors helped in the development of industries, thus playing a significant role in ushering in the Industrial Revolution.
(c) Improved Transportation: A good transport system is necessary for effective trade and commerce. In the second half of the 18th century, the transport system in England was adequate. The use of tarcoal and tar enabled the construction of roads in many European countries. Steamboats and steamships were used extensively. George Stephenson designed his first locomotive engine, which was used for hauling coal in the Killingworth colliery. This brought about a revolution in transport, further facilitating the Industrial Revolution.
2. With reference to the Industrial Revolution in England, state the role of the following factors:
Answer:
(a) Availability of raw material: England had a large colonial empire from which it could get raw materials at cheaper rates for its factories. These colonies also served as markets for British manufactured goods. The availability of natural resources like iron and coal within England further contributed to the growth of industries.
(b) Transport System: The transport system in England played a crucial role in the Industrial Revolution. The construction of roads using tarcoal and tar, the extensive use of steamboats and steamships, and the invention of the locomotive engine by George Stephenson revolutionized the transport system, facilitating the movement of raw materials to factories and finished goods to markets.
(c) Growth of population: The growth of population provided a large labor force required for the new factories. The population in urban areas increased as people migrated from rural areas in search of employment. The increase in population also led to a rise in demand for goods, which provided an impetus to industrial production.
3. With reference to the rise of Capitalism, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the causes for the rise of Capitalism?
Answer: The Industrial Revolution increased national wealth and raised the standard of living, leading to an increase in population and migration from rural to urban areas. The new enclosure law required farmers to enclose their fields, forcing small farmers to sell their farms and seek work elsewhere. The growth of towns and mass production destroyed the domestic system of production, leading to the rise of factories and modern urban civilization. The disappearance of small farmers, the development of new towns, and the creation of a workforce for the new industries were some of the causes for the rise of Capitalism.
(b) What was the impact of Capitalism on the working class?
Answer: The movement of people from agriculture to industrial cities brought great stress on the labor force. Traditional handloom weavers and skilled laborers lost their jobs as new machines replaced them. Factory workers had to work long hours under harsh conditions for low wages. Women and children were recruited because they could be hired for very low wages. The division of labor led to repetitive and boring jobs, and workers had to follow strict rules under close supervision, causing stress and strain.
(c) How did it give rise to Socialism?
Answer: The evils of Capitalism, such as the exploitation of workers, low wages, long working hours, and harsh working conditions, led to the rise of Socialism. The strong Trade Union Movement and the Chartist Movement brought the division of society into the rich and the poor into sharp focus. Socialists wanted to set up a society free of exploitation and class divisions, achieved through social control of the means of production and distribution.
4. With reference to Capitalism and Socialism, state the following
(a) Difference between Capitalism and Socialism in terms of control over means of production and profit.
Answer:
- Capitalism: In Capitalism, the means of production such as labor, raw material, tools, and machines are owned and controlled by private individuals or groups. The production is for profit, and useful goods and services are a by-product of pursuing profit.
- Socialism: In Socialism, the means of production are owned and controlled by the community or the State. The production is for use, and useful goods and services are produced specifically for their usefulness rather than for profit.
(b) Two key proponents each of Capitalism and Socialism. Give examples of two countries where each economic system is prevalent.
Answer:
- Key proponents of Capitalism: Adam Smith, Milton Friedman.
- Key proponents of Socialism: Karl Marx, Frederick Engels.
- Examples of countries where Capitalism is prevalent: USA, UK.
- Examples of countries where Socialism is prevalent: China, Sweden.
(c) What according to you is better of the two economic systems? Give reasons to support your answer:
Answer: According to me, Capitalism is the better economic system. The reasons for this choice are:
- Innovation and growth: Capitalism fosters competition, which drives innovation and leads to the development of new technologies and products. This competition spurs economic growth and increases the standard of living.
- Personal freedom: Capitalism allows individuals the freedom to make their own economic choices, such as starting a business, choosing their occupation, and spending their money as they see fit. This freedom is essential for personal liberty and self-determination.
- Efficient resource allocation: Capitalism allocates resources based on market demand, ensuring that goods and services are produced efficiently and meet consumer needs. This efficiency helps to avoid waste and promotes economic productivity.
- Incentive for hard work: In a capitalist system, individuals are rewarded for their hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurship. This creates a strong incentive for people to strive for success, leading to economic advancement and overall societal progress.
5. With reference to the picture given, answer the following questions:
(a) Identify the person in the picture. Name his longtime associate and co-author. Name one famous publication of this person and his associate
Answer: The person in the picture is Karl Marx. His longtime associate and co-author was Frederick Engels. One famous publication by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels is “The Communist Manifesto.”
(b) What were the causes for the rise of the economic system propounded by these two individuals?
Answer: The causes for the rise of the economic system propounded by Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, which is Socialism, include the exploitation of workers under Capitalism, low wages, long working hours, and harsh working conditions. The strong Trade Union Movement and the Chartist Movement also contributed to the rise of Socialism by highlighting the division between the rich and the poor and the need for a society free of exploitation.
(c) Briefly describe the type of society they envisioned.
Answer: Karl Marx and Frederick Engels envisioned a socialist society where the means of production would be owned by the community or the State, eliminating class struggle and exploitation. In this society, production would be based on satisfying human needs rather than generating private profits. Eventually, this socialist society would lead to Communism, a classless, stateless system based on common ownership and free access, allowing individuals to develop their own capacities and talents.
Thinking Skills
1. Do you think that the Industrial Revolution was an offshoot of the Renaissance? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: Yes, the Industrial Revolution can be considered an offshoot of the Renaissance. The Renaissance brought about a revival of learning and a spirit of inquiry. It encouraged people to explore new ideas and question old ones. This spirit of inquiry led to scientific discoveries and technological innovations, which laid the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution. The Renaissance also fostered an environment that valued human potential and creativity, which further fueled the desire to innovate and improve production methods. The changes in thought and culture during the Renaissance ultimately paved the way for the industrial and technological advancements that characterized the Industrial Revolution.
2. Imagine that you are transported in a Time machine in the era when Industrial Revolution began in England. Write down the problems faced by the workers who were used to making products by hand.
Answer: If I were transported to the era when the Industrial Revolution began in England, the workers who were used to making products by hand would face several problems. These problems would include:
- Loss of traditional jobs: Workers who previously earned a living through handcrafts and manual production would find themselves displaced by machines. Their skills would become obsolete, leading to unemployment and financial instability.
- Harsh working conditions: The transition to factory work would subject workers to long hours, often exceeding 12 to 14 hours a day, under strict supervision and in dangerous environments. The lack of safety measures would result in frequent accidents and injuries.
- Low wages: Despite the increase in productivity, wages would remain low as factory owners sought to maximize profits. Workers, including women and children, would be paid the minimum necessary to sustain their labor.
- Repetitive and monotonous work: The division of labor in factories would reduce tasks to simple, repetitive actions, making work monotonous and mentally exhausting. This lack of variety and creativity in their work would lead to dissatisfaction and stress among the workers.
- Poor living conditions: The migration of workers to urban areas in search of factory jobs would result in overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions. Many workers would live in cramped tenements, leading to health issues and a decline in overall quality of life.
3. If you are given a choice between Capitalism and Socialism, which one you will choose and why? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer: If given a choice between Capitalism and Socialism, I would choose Capitalism. The reasons for this choice are:
- Innovation and growth: Capitalism encourages competition, which drives innovation and leads to the development of new products and technologies. This competition fosters economic growth and improves the standard of living.
- Personal freedom: Capitalism allows individuals to make their own economic choices, such as starting a business, choosing where to work, and deciding how to spend their money. This freedom is a key component of personal liberty and self-determination.
- Efficient resource allocation: In a capitalist system, resources are allocated based on market demand. This ensures that goods and services are produced efficiently, responding to consumer needs and preferences.
- Incentive for hard work: Capitalism rewards hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Individuals are motivated to work hard and innovate because they can directly benefit from their efforts, leading to economic advancement and personal success.
By choosing Capitalism, I would be supporting a system that promotes innovation, personal freedom, and efficient use of resources, all of which contribute to a dynamic and prosperous society.
Extra/additional MCQs
1. In which centuries did the Industrial Revolution primarily take place?
A. 15th and 16th centuries
B. 16th and 17th centuries
C. 17th and 18th centuries
D. 18th and 19th centuries
Answer: D. 18th and 19th centuries
30. What was the result of the new enclosure laws on small farmers in Britain?
A. They were able to expand their farms
B. They moved to urban areas to seek employment
C. They received government subsidies
D. They continued to thrive in rural areas
Answer: B. They moved to urban areas to seek employment
Extra/additional questions and answers
1. What period does the Industrial Revolution refer to?
Answer: The second half of the 18th century and the first half of the 19th century.
37. What is the meaning of Socialism, and what principles is it based on?
Answer: Socialism is defined as an economic system in which the means of production are owned not by private individuals but by the community. This system aims to ensure that wealth is more fairly distributed among all members of society. Socialism is based on three core principles:
- Opposition to Private Capitalism: Socialism is fundamentally opposed to the private ownership and control of the means of production by individuals or small groups, which is characteristic of capitalism.
- Voice of the Working Class: Socialism advocates for the rights and interests of workers, aiming to protect them from exploitation and ensure they receive fair treatment and wages.
- Just Distribution of Wealth: Socialism seeks to create a more equitable distribution of wealth, ensuring that all individuals have access to basic necessities and public goods, allowing for self-actualization and the reduction of social inequality.
Socialists believe that all factors of production should belong to the entire human race or society, and government control over production and distribution is necessary to achieve these objectives.
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