Industrialization Begins

Ethan Taylor
7 min read
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#AP World History: Modern - Industrial Revolution Study Guide 🚀
Welcome! This guide is designed to help you ace the AP World History: Modern exam, focusing on the Industrial Revolution. Let's break down this crucial period together!
#1. Foundations of the Industrial Revolution (1750-1900)
#1.1. What Was It?
The Industrial Revolution (c. 1750-1900) was a period of massive technological, transportation, and manufacturing advancements. It shifted production from homes to factories, primarily in Britain, the United States, Germany, and France.
The Industrial Revolution marks a major turning point in human history, fundamentally altering how goods are produced and consumed.
#1.2. Key Factors
Several factors combined to spark the Industrial Revolution:
- New Energy Sources: Coal and steam power were game-changers. The steam engine powered factories and machines, boosting production and lowering costs.
- Technological Innovations:
- Cotton gin and power loom revolutionized textile production. 🪡
- These inventions led to the booming textile industry.
- Environmental Factors:
- Proximity to waterways (rivers, canals) for power and transport.
- Abundant natural resources like coal, iron, and timber.
- Urbanization: Cities grew as people moved for factory jobs.
- Legal protection of private property encouraged investment.
- Improved agricultural activity, like crop rotation and the seed drill, and new crops like the potato, supported growing populations.
- Access to foreign resources and markets from colonies.
- Capitalism as an economic system fueled the growth.
Remember "Water, Wealth, and Work" as key drivers: Waterways for power, wealth from colonies, and the shift to factory work.
#1.3. The British Advantage
- Enclosure Act: Restricted land ownership in rural areas, pushing people to cities.
- Colonies: Provided raw materials and new markets.
- Coal: Abundant coal resources fueled factories.
The combination of the...

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