'MURICA

Recently, we have been learning about various revolutions that have previously occurred throughout Europe, i.e, the French Revolution, the Greek Revolution, and the Revolutions of 1848. As you already know, these conflicts all revolved around unhappy things like starvation, poor people, and violence..things that make Maura sad. Now, I'm here to turn that frown upside down and to tell you that not all revolutions have to be unhappy. In fact, there was a revolution that began in Great Britain around the year 1760 that made everlasting marks in history...for the better! yay! Can you guess what it is?...Slowpoke has your answer.

Almost every aspect of daily life was changed or influenced in some way as a result of the rise of industry. In the 18th century, continental Europe was involved in constant warfare and revolution. As a result, Great Britain was able to pull ahead and to dominate the Industrial Revolution. Although there are many reasons for the growth of the British economy and industry, scholars agree that the industrial changes grew out of a long process of development. Three primary reasons for the rise of industry in Britain are...

1. The colonies. Britain was able to aggressively expand its economy through its strong colonial empire. Also, Britain's strong position in Latin America and the African Slave trade provided a growing market for manufactured goods. In the 1770s, Great Britain began to build canals, which allowed easy movement of resources and products domestically and throughout Europe. Additionally, the lack of tariffs facilitated and promoted trade.

2. Agriculture. Ironically, the perfection of farming and agriculture played a major role in boosting industry. A surplus of crops at low prices gave people the ability to provide food for their families and the free time to enhance manufactured goods. Unlike the French people during the French Revolution, an ordinary English family could actually afford a meager loaf of bread.

3. Stable government...another thing France would know nothing about. The monarchy and the aristocratic oligarchy of Britain provided a stable and predictable government since 1688. This government allowed the domestic economy to operate freely and encouraged a free market. (yay for Adam Smith!)

Like the American Industrial Revolution, the first breakthrough in the British Revolution was with the cotton textile industry. There was a constant shortage of thread in the textile industry, which encouraged people to think of ways to improve spinning. Hargreaves's spinning jenny and Arkwright's water frame did just that. By producing a greater supply of thread in a less amount time, cotton goods became much cheaper and were bought by all the classes. Now, even poor people could afford the luxury of underwear! (no more going commando)

Britain realized the great value of its discoveries and inventions. Therefore, the British tried to keep their secrets and ideas within the union of Great Britain...until William Cockerill came around. He brought British industrial ideas, plans, and secrets to Belgium, which remained in 2nd place to Britain in terms of levels of industrialization "per capita" until 1880. Eventually, however, the United States topples both countries and rises to the top in industry...why?

Because we're 'Murica