3. Explain factors responsible for the Industrial Revolution in England. Bring out its social and economical consequences.
Or
Describe the major consequences of Industrial Revolution in Europe.

I. The factors responsible for Industrial Revolution in England :

(i) Capital : The British traders had been trading in foreign countries for a long time. So, they had the sufficient capital for the establishment of the industries.

(ii) Natural resources : England had plenty of natural resources like iron and coal which are essential for the industries.

(iii) Control over colonies : British had established a large number of new colonies from where she could get the cheap raw material and they could also serve as markets to sell the finished goods.

(iv) Shipping industry : England had developed a large shipping industry which solved the problems of transporting the things to far away countries.

(v) Agrarian revolution : Due to this many agriculturists went out of job. Such people supplied the cheap labour to the factories.

(vi) The initiative of the English People : The English people were quite enterprising, energetic and hard working. So, they made inventions of new machines and started the industries.

II. Social and Economic consequences of the Industrial Revolution :

(i) Promotion of arts and culture : The Industrial Revolution brought more leisure to man. This spare time was utilized for the promotion of arts and culture in the society.

(ii) The division of society : As a result of the Industrial Revolution the society was divided into two distinct classes-the capitalist and the labourers. The rich become more rich and poor became more poor.

(iii) Insanitary condition in the towns : As a large number of people shifted from villages to industrial towns and as such the towns became over crowded. There was no arrangement for proper houses, sanitation, ventilation, drainage, etc. In short the workers lived in the miserable conditions.

(iv) Unsatisfactory condition of the Factory Workers : The workers had to work in factories which were poorly ventilated, poorly lighted and were extremely unhealthy.

(v) Exploitation of Women and Children : Women and children were employed in large number of the factories, as they were cheaper and easy to manage.

III. Economic Consequences :

(i) Increase in the National Income : The industrial production led to the production of goods on a large scale which began to be sold in other countries. It increased the national wealth of the Industrialized countries, particularly that of England.

(ii) Growth of Agriculture : Introduction of machinery, better seeds, new crops, the use of fertilizers, etc. led to the growth in agriculture. Now the farmers started producing the cash crops on a large scale and became rich.

(iii) Improvement in the Standard of Living : Due to Industrial Revolution people became rich. Good quality of goods were now available at cheaper rates. New means of transport and communication i.e. Automobiles, Railways, Ships, Telegraphs and Telephones etc. made man's life richer, comfortable and happier. It raised the standard of living of the people.

(iv) Increase in Population : The Industrial Revolution increased the national wealth, raised the standard of living. Thus made life more convenient and luxurious. The new inventions helped in checking the various diseases and ultimately led to an increase in population.

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