4 - The Age of Industrialisation

Today, we are going to explore the Age of Industrialisation. Can anyone tell me what industrialisation means?

Yes! That's a big part of it. Industrialisation refers to the process of developing industries on a wide scale. It began in Britain in the late 1700s and slowly spread to other parts of the world, including India. Remember the acronym 'GENTLE', which stands for Growth, Evolution, New Technologies, Labor, Expansion.

Great question! The main driver was technological innovation, particularly in transportation and manufacturing. Students, can anyone name some innovations?

Exactly! These inventions dramatically increased productivity and efficiency.

So, in summary, the Age of Industrialisation marked a significant shift in how goods were produced, influencing economic and social structures worldwide.

Now, let's talk about proto-industrialisation. Can anyone explain what that was?

Correct! Proto-industrialisation refers to the phase before factories when production occurred mainly in rural households. Merchants funded local artisans to produce goods for international markets. Think of it like a bridge between agricultural economies and industrial production.

It's all about scale! As demand for goods increased, the limitations of the household production led to the establishment of factories. The first factories appeared in the 1730s in England, and soon after, the number multiplied significantly.

Absolutely! With the rise of factories, many traditional craftspeople faced challenges, such as reduced demand for handmade goods. Remember this as a key point: industrial growth often leads to collaboration and conflict.

Summarizing this session, proto-industrialisation was about small-scale production that transitioned into large-scale factory systems, fostering socio-economic changes.

Next, let's discuss how industrialisation impacted workers. What were some changes they faced?

Exactly! Workers moved away from rural settings and into urban factories. This change was often accompanied by harsh working conditions. Can anyone highlight what some of these conditions were?

Yes! The introduction of machines increased productivity but often at the cost of worker safety. It's important to note the balance between technological advance and worker welfare.

In summary, the shift to factory labor meant increased production capabilities but also significant challenges for workers related to pay and conditions.

Now, let's turn our focus to India. How did industrialisation unfold there compared to Britain?

Exactly! Colonial powers disrupted local economies, impacting traditional industries. The East India Company controlled textile production and taxes, limiting Indian artisans' market access.

Definitely! Weavers faced several challenges, including competition with cheaper British products and restrictions imposed by the Company, which also led to social uproar.

To summarise, industrialisation in India was marked not only by economic shifts but also by significant social and political implications.

Lastly, how did markets adapt to increased production during industrialisation?

Yes! Advertisements became crucial. They created demand and made products appealing. Brands wanted to assure quality and build trust.

Exactly! It leveraged the British manufacturing reputation. Over time, Indian manufacturers began adapting these strategies too.

In summary, the market's adaptation during industrialisation was marked by trends in advertising and the importance of branding for new consumer goods.