Defining the Industrial Revolution

About the lecture

In this module, we look at what the Industrial Revolution was. Firstly, we’ll explore what pre-industrial society looked liked and how the economy functioned before mass production. We’ll then turn to look at the components of the Industrial Revolution. These were: (i) the use of new technology to mass produce products; (ii) the worldwide trade in commodities to fuel manufacturing; and (iii) the increased use of fossil fuels to meet energy needs.

About the lecturer

Emma Griffin is a Professor of Modern British History at the University of East Anglia. She specialises in British social and economic history of the 18th and 19th centuries, in particular the industrial revolution, its social consequences and its impact upon women. She is the author of several books including Liberty’s Dawn: A People’s History of the Industrial Revolution and Bread Winner: An Intimate History of the Victorian Economy.