This quote from John Hatcher’s article on pre-nineteenth century Britain summarises the capitalistic and industrialised nature of the what was deemed to be the working class. This essay will examine industrialisation, modernisation and capitalist development in Britain around the time of the industrial revolution. I will also briefly talk about different aspects of the revolution and apply them to specific key areas like the factory; the railway industry and the purpose built townships/cities.

Industrialisation by Wrigley is said to “occur in a given country when real incomes per head begin to rise steadily and without apparent limit.” Productivity also increases and the significance of industry as the backbone of the economy becomes apparent.

Rostow claims that when an economy is being industrialised it “takes off” into “self-sustained growth” . This definition is in line with Wrigley’s, however there are several key aspects to industrialisation which are

Socioeconomic aspects include the increase in incomes of the general population. Proper housing for factory workers, and purpose built villages with all required facilities. The concept of free education, people being upskilled, the abandonment of a feudal system.

apparent everywhere, some may not be as significant as others, but all play a role in the process of industrialisation.

Supplementing/replacing of manpower with energy sources - coal, oil, steam, coke have all been used. These energy sources are far more efficient than manpower.

Gauldie (1974) claims that the worst living conditions at the time were in the rural industrial areas. Basically where once the area was rural, but because it is near an energy source it has now become home to a factory. The quality of living conditions depended on availability of labour. If labour was extremely scarce then very favourable living conditions would be offered, but if work was scarce however then workers would live in just about anything. What must be remembered is that the aim of an industrial community is to make a profit.

The Entrepreneur - these were people with a vision of profit. They were the factory owners whom without, Britain wouldn’t have even gone through her revolution.

I will now give a brief synopsis of the Industrial Revolution, so as to make my coming arguments more relevant and easier to understand.

Some topics in this essay:
Industrialisation Wrigley, Sussex Birmingham, Industrial Revolution, According Briggs, Marx Weber, John Hatcher’s, Silk Mill, , Weber Marx, industrial revolution, capitalist development, living conditions, Encyclopedia Britannica, feudal system, energy sources, purpose built, paid money, aspects industrial revolution, corporate social, surging economy, social responsibility, paid money product, britain industrial revolution, labour paid money, industrial revolution seen,