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Origins of Industrialization

Driving Question: How did the Industrial Revolution begin?

The Industrial Revolution started in Britain. The discovery that coal could be burned to power steam engines was nothing short of revolutionary. These new machines powered a transformation of human life on this planet that rapidly changed how we live, work, and connect to each other.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Evaluate how the Industrial Revolution changed human communities and societies during this era.
  2. Explain why industrialization started first in Britain.
  3. Analyze images to assess how industrialization impacted human communities.

Vocab Terms:

  • debt
  • fossil fuel
  • industrial capitalist
  • locomotion
  • manufacturing
  • patent
  • steam engine
STEP 1

Opener: Origins of Industrialization

STEP 2

Building Cities

If you’ve ever spent time in a city, you know that they’re bursting with, well, everything! Loads of buildings, people, cultures—all in one place. This game will help you explore how cities have changed our landscape—both physically and culturally.

STEP 3

The Industrial Revolution Begins

Coal helped propel England to the forefront of industrialization. It also propelled the steam engine. These resources will help you understand how and where the Industrial Revolution started.

Origins of the Industrial Revolution External link

During the long nineteenth century, Britain had several advantages that allowed it to industrialize first. What were they? Nick Dennis travels to England to mine for answers.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
STEP 4

Before and After Images

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Let’s test that theory in this lesson as you analyze pre- and postindustrialization images.

STEP 5

Closer: Origins of Industrialization

Historians make a lot of claims about the Industrial Revolution. It’s time for you to practice making your own claims as you consider why industrialization started in Britain before it spread around the world.

Extension Materials
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Use the videos and article below to extend your examination of the origins of the Industrial Revolution, with a deep dive into the relationship between China and Britain, and the technologies that changed the world.
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Britain and China

In 1793, the British had nothing that China wanted. China remained at the heart of global systems of production and distribution. Yet, Britain’s growing industrialization and imperial ambitions soon shifted the balance.

Macartney’s Expedition and the Global Economy External link

In 1793 the global economy was centered in East and South Asia, not in Europe. The British embassy, led by Lord Macartney, wanted to change that.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.
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Industrial Innovations

Technological innovation drove industrialization. Let’s take a look at the people behind the technology that changed—and continues to change—our world.

Making Clean Water External link

Clean water may seem basic today, but during the Industrial Revolution, Britain’s water was filled with sewage and even bodies. Steam engines helped turn that around.

Key Ideas

As this video progresses, key ideas will be introduced to invoke discussion.