Textuality » 5ALS Interacting
Activities
Complete the following notes. They will give you an outline of the information contained in the passage. The main points, relations of cause-effect, illustrations etc. are clearly indicated in the text by logical connectors. Look out for them.
- (par. 1) The Industrial Revolution
led to growth of two systems of thought:
1) Economic science 2) Socialism
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a) Adam Smith |
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b) Malthus |
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c) Ricardo |
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d) John Stuart Mill |
• (par. 2-3) Facts of Industrial Revolution.
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1) Growth of population |
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2) Decrease in the rural population |
• (par. 4) Decrease in rural population.
causes: 1) the destruction of the common-field system of cultivation
2) Phenomenon of enclosures lands
3) Limitation of factors number, aggregation.
• (par. 5) Agricultural advance.
cause — more scientific approach:
e.g.
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Improvement of breed of cattle |
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Introduction on large scale of the rotation of crops |
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Invention of the steam-ploght |
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agricultural societies |
• (par. 6-7) Growth of industry.
causes;
1) mechanical inventions in textile industry
e.g.
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The Spinning Jenny |
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Water Frame |
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Mule |
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Self-acting mule |
most important:
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steam engine |
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Power loom |
2) mechanical revolution in iron industry
e.g.
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the invention of smelting by pit-coal |
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The application of steam – engine, used for smelting |
3) improved means of communication
e.g.
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Canal system development |
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Building of roads (expansion of streets) |
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Railroad |
results: 1) regular recurrence of periods of over-production and of depression (à unemployment)
2) substitution of factory system for domestic system.
• (par. 8) Revolution in distribution of wealth:
rise in rents caused by
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1) Use of money aimed to investments |
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2) The positive results of the enclosures systems |
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3) The consolidation of farms |
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4) high price of corn |
social changes in country life:
• (par. 9) Social changes in manufacturing world: absence of link and physical contact between the farmers’ owners and capitalist employers and labourers: estrangement.
consequences:
1) A “Cash nexus” kind of relationship between employers and workmen;
2) Blend of the working class;
3) class conflict.
• (par. 10) Misery of working people often caused by:
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1) Rise of products prices (especially concerning raw materials. Bread) |
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2) Sudden fluctuations of trade |
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3) Riduction of salaries |
Conclusion:
The application of Liberal criterions, faithful to the Economic Science, during the eighteenth century in England, had both positive and negative effects. By one side, it supported innovations, promoting trading, technological and social development, almost progress in the manufactory field. On the other side, however, it entailed a a heterogeneous distribution of financial resources, rising farmers and capitalists employers wealth, going to the detriment of the whole working class well-being and health.