Gleams and shadows of Industrial Revolution in 19th century Britain

Bachelor Thesis , 2018 , 34 Pages

English Language and Literature Studies - Culture and Applied Geography

The paper presents the grandeur of Great Britain in the 19th century. It analyses and shows Great Britain in the period of development together the factors that could be the reason for such a change. The rapid progress together with expansion policy and good economic situation allowed the kingdom to enter a higher technological stage. However, did such rapid progress affect the well-being of the country’s citizens? Many benefited from a multitude of patents and inventions available on the market and increased their comfort of living. Too fast industrialization and a constant construction of factories increased the level of pollution, health problems and cleanliness. The first chapter describes the historical background which presents certain conditions thanks to which England could develop. The second chapter describes the industrial revolution and the progress that characterized the Victorian times. The third chapter describes some negative effects of industrialization and people’s lives subjected to an abrupt development processes. Further, the work contains many interesting facts, descriptions of inventions and illustrations.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Justification of the choice of the topic
• Structure of the diploma project
• Aims of the Diploma Project
• Chapter One: Victorian Era and its characteristics
• 1.1 Defining the era
• 1.2 Britain and its internal and external conflicts
• 1.3 Time for development
• 1.3.1 British Empire
• 1.3.2 Growth of the economy
• 1.3.3 The Industrial Revolution
• Chapter Two: Industrialisation and its benefits
• 2.1 Coal, steel, iron and wood as resources of change
• 2.2 Wool
• 2.3 Domestic inventions and their use.
• 2.4 Steam engine
• 2.5 Railways
• 2.6 Great Exhibition
• Chapter Three: Industrialisation and its side-effects
• 3.1 Adverse industrialization
• 3.2 Working class misery
• 3.3 Workhouses
• 3.4 Poverty

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This work explores the grandeur of 19th-century Britain, highlighting the factors that contributed to its exceptional position during this era. The text examines the rapid development of Britain, its expanding territories, and its strong economic situation, all of which allowed the kingdom to achieve technological advancement surpassing other European nations. It further investigates the impact of this rapid progress on the well-being of British citizens. The work delves into both the positive and negative aspects of industrialization, including its impact on living conditions and workers' safety.

• The historical context and conditions that facilitated Britain's growth in the 19th century.
• The economic and industrial factors that contributed to Britain's prosperity during the Victorian era.
• The role of inventions and legal acts in driving Britain's development.
• The positive and negative impacts of industrialization on ordinary people.
• The social and economic challenges faced by different segments of the population in the face of rapid industrialization.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter provides a historical overview of the Victorian era and its defining characteristics, outlining the internal and external factors that contributed to Britain's growth and prosperity. It examines the role of the British Empire, the strong economy, and the Industrial Revolution in shaping this era. The second chapter focuses on the Industrial Revolution and its benefits, analyzing the importance of coal, steel, iron, and wood as resources for change. It explores the development of domestic inventions, the role of the steam engine, and the impact of railways on transportation and industry. The third chapter examines the adverse effects of industrialization, such as pollution, working-class misery, the workhouse system, and the prevalence of poverty. It explores the impact of these challenges on the lives of ordinary people and the efforts made to address them.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This work focuses on Victorian Britain, the Industrial Revolution, and its impact on society, both positive and negative. Key topics include the British Empire, economic growth, technological advancements, inventions, living conditions, workers' rights, poverty, and social inequalities. It examines the era's grandeur through the lens of industrial development, exploring the challenges and opportunities faced by different segments of the population during this transformative period. The work draws upon historical data, analyses, and contemporary accounts to provide a comprehensive understanding of the era's complexities.

• Author: Adam Kiela (Author)
• Publication Year: 2018
• Pages: 34
• Catalog Number: V450245
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668841826
• ISBN (Book): 9783668841833
• Language: English
• Tags: History, Welfare State, Poverty, Working Classes, Victorian Literature, Nineteenth Century British, Social Economy, Air Pollution and Health Effects, British Empire, English Poor Law, The Industrial Revolution, Coal Mining, Inventions, Railways and trains, Workhouses, Victorian Britain, Great Britain, Steam Turbine and Steam Engine, Great Exhibition, Economic Prosperity