Notes

We have already discussed the causes and contents of the Industrial Revolution. Yet, it is imperative to discuss its spread around the world. The concept of the IR and its ideals spreading around the world is often referred to as the “second-wave” of industrialization. As a generalization, industrialization during this time can be categorized as state-sponsored or through private capital. 

 

The United States: 

• Intense immigration from parts of East Asia and Europe permitted the United States to have a secure amount of workers (human capital) for their factories, which allowed labor costs to remain low and output high.

• This also allowed for increased work towards canal and railroad construction, connecting the nation and integrating it into a larger market. 

Russia:

• Russia initiated what is often referred to as a “top-down” approach where the state (Russian Tsar) led industrialization initiatives.

• The Russian state introduced the Trans-Siberian Railroad which extended from Moscow to the Pacific, allowing for Russian trade with East Asia.

• With this interconnectedness to other parts of the world, Russia transformed into a major steel producer. Regardless, a large sector of its economy remained agricultural, leading to social unrest. 

Japan:

• The American Commodore Matthew Perry visited the island of Japan hoping to establish trade relations. The Japanese were shocked after seeing the advanced American naval technology he arrived with. They took this as a sign to improve and industrialize, leading to the Meiji Restoration. 

• Through the Meiji Restoration, Japan ended years of isolation and quickly modernized. Some of the reforms implemented included the end of feudalism. The traditional shogun rule had been replaced by the return of the emperor. The Japanese government sent various scholars abroad to familiarize themselves with Western technology, and spent money to fund factories (which were called zaibatsus) to stimulate economic growth. Over time, Japan became one of the most successful industrialized powers that was not Western. On the other hand, the respected samurai class lost their status in society and were stripped of their previous rights. 

 

On the other hand, as the West grew economically (or more that GB grew), many non-Western nations lost economic prominence. India was once a global leader in shipbuilding, but as GB began to industrialize, they dismantled Indian shipbuilding. India as a country was not allowed to utilize their own resources, further surrendering them dependent on the economic activities of GB. 

Another example includes that of Egypt, where leader Muhammad Ali tried to introduce state-led textile industrialization initiatives. While he faced some success, he simply could not compete with GB. Regardless, his economic policy remains commendable to the history of Egypt. 

• Ali taxed peasants so that they would be in a situation to give up their land to the government, who would organize cotton growth and exports. This allowed him to produce textile factories that could compete with the British. 

 

With industrialization on the rise, urban cities began to develop around the world. Tenements (poorly constructed apartment buildings) were built to accommodate for the influx of laborers. Those who could not afford to live in a tenement resided in slums, which were makeshift homes often located in low-income areas with a proximity to open sewers. As a negative consequence, many laborers caught diseases such as cholera and tuberculosis due to their unsanitary living conditions. Factory production also led to increased pollution, which had detrimental effects on the environment. 

 

As a result of the rise in industrialization around the world, factory life became the social norm. Laborers were subjected to long, dangerous hours and low pay. In protest against these cruel conditions, many laborers organized into labor unions to advocate for better treatment. Some of the rights demanded included:

• Overtime pay, a limit to the amount of hours worked, and a dedicated minimum for wages.

• Safer machinery.

• Protection of children from coerced work and a mandated right to education.