Introduction – Before the Industrial Revolution

• Before modern industries, production was done in homes or small workshops.
• Most products were handmade using simple tools.
• Traders controlled production by giving raw materials to artisans.

The First Industrial Revolution – Growth of Factories in Britain

• Britain was the first country to industrialize (mid-18th century).
• New inventions like the spinning jenny (1764) and steam engine (James Watt) revolutionized production.
• Cotton textile industries grew rapidly, supplying cheap cloth worldwide.

Why Britain Became the First Industrial Nation?

• Large supply of coal and iron.
• Strong banking system for investment.
• Colonies like India provided raw materials.
• Advanced transport (railways, canals, and roads).

Industrialization in Europe – Different Patterns of Growth

• Industrialization spread unevenly across Europe.
• Countries like Germany and France industrialized later than Britain.
• Some regions remained dependent on handicrafts for a long time.

The Early Factories – Who Worked in Them?

• Factories replaced traditional craft production.
• Workers included farmers, artisans, and migrants from villages.
• Factory conditions were harsh:
  • Low wages, long working hours, and poor living conditions.
  • Child labor was common.

The Peculiarities of Industrial Growth in Britain

• Even after factories emerged, handicrafts and small workshops remained important.
• Luxury goods were still handmade because rich people preferred unique, artistic products.
• Seasonal employment – Many industries worked only during certain months.

Industrialization in India – The Impact of British Rule

• Before British rule, India was a leading producer of textiles.
• The East India Company (EIC) took control of Indian trade and ruined local industries.

The Decline of Indian Textiles

• British policies discouraged Indian weaving.
• Indian weavers were forced to buy expensive British cloth.
• High taxes were imposed on Indian textiles in Britain, making exports difficult.

The Growth of Factories in Colonial India

• In the late 19th century, Indian industries began to grow.
• Cotton mills opened in Bombay (1854) and Ahmedabad (1861).
• Jute mills were set up in Bengal.

Who Invested in Indian Industries?

• Indian businessmen like Jamsetji Tata and GD Birla invested in new industries.
• British firms controlled major industries like railways, coal, and banking.

How Did Indian Workers Respond to Industrialization?

• Workers faced harsh conditions – low wages, long hours, and poor housing.
• Many workers lived in slums near factories.
• Protests and strikes became common as workers demanded better conditions.

The Age of Industrialization and Global Trade

• Industries increased global trade, connecting economies worldwide.
• Britain imported raw materials from India and exported finished goods.
• Colonial rule made India a supplier of raw materials rather than a competitor in industry.

Conclusion

• Before industrialization, goods were made by hand in homes and small workshops.
• The Industrial Revolution (1750s) started in Britain due to new inventions and trade.
• Factories grew, but workers faced difficult conditions and low wages.
• In India, British policies led to the decline of traditional industries.
• Indian industrialists later invested in factories, but British companies dominated major industries.
• Industrialization changed global trade, making some countries rich while exploiting others.