By the early 19th century, contemporaries began to notice these changes.
In 1837, French Revolutionary Blanqui described the changes in Britain
as an “Industrial Revolution,” his way of saying that they were at least as
important as the French revolution, the most momentous event in recent
European history.
We have seen how, in Britain, a high level of commercialization, a highly
capitalistic social structure, and multiple connections to global markets
encouraged soaring innovation. The next lecture asks: How, why, and when
did these innovations spread to other parts of the world? Ŷ
Christian, Maps of Time, chap. 13.
Maddison, The World Economy.
Stearns, The Industrial Revolution in World History.
Wrigley, Continuity, Chance, and Change.
- What evidence justi¿ es Blanqui’s claim that an “Industrial Revolution”
had occurred in Britain by the early 19th century? - What factors did most to stimulate innovation in Britain during the
Industrial Revolution?
Essential Reading
Supplementary Reading
Questions to Consider