Social Studies Year 1

SECTION

6 REVOLUTIONS THAT
CHANGED THE
WORLD

1
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Ethics and Human Development

Revolutions that Changed the World

INTRODUCTION
The Industrial Revolution was a period of major changes in how things were made.
It began in Europe in the late 1700s and continued into the 1800s. Before this time,
most items were crafted by hand or using basic tools. However, during the Industrial
Revolution, people began using new machines and methods to produce goods at a faster
pace and in greater quantities. Some of the new inventions included steam engines,
spinning jennies, and power looms. It’s important to know this history to understand
how Africa has developed.

At the end of the section, you will be able to

Analyse the origin, the characteristics and impact of the Industrial Revolution on the
African continent.

Key ideas:
• The Industrial Revolution began in Britain during the 18th century and gradually spread
to other parts of the world
• It spread to other European countries.
• It changed the world economy from hand-made to machine-made
• It brought about significant changes in energy use, socio-economics and culture

ORIGIN, THE CHARACTERISTICS AND IMPACT

OF THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ON THE
AFRICAN CONTINENT
The Industrial Revolution was a time when people started using machines to make
things instead of making them by hand. It began about 250 years ago in Britain and
changed how people lived and worked.
This era saw the arrival of new manufacturing processes, the expansion of industries,
and significant changes in the way people lived and worked. The impact of the

2
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Industrial Revolution on the African continent was profound, leading to changes in

trade, economic systems, and social structures.

Fig. 6.1 Steam-powered machine at work during the Industrial Revolution period.

The origin and spread

During the 18th century, the Industrial Revolution originated in Britain due to
advancements in agriculture, technology, and commerce. This period saw a significant
shift from handmade to machine-made products, leading to the mechanisation of many
industries such as textiles, iron production, and coal mining. As these innovations
proved successful, the Industrial Revolution gradually spread to other parts of the
world, shaping economies and societies on a global scale.

Case study Reasons Why the Industrial Revolution

Began in Britain:

1. Natural Resources:
Britain had large amounts of coal and iron ore, which were crucial for powering
new machines and building factories.
2. Agricultural Advances:
Before the Industrial Revolution, Britain experienced an Agricultural Revolution,
where new farming techniques increased food production. This meant that fewer
people were needed to work on farms, and more could work in industries.

3
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

3. Economic Conditions:
Britain had a strong economy with a banking system that could lend money to
entrepreneurs (people who start businesses) to build factories and buy machines.
4. Political Stability:
Unlike some other countries, Britain was politically stable. This stability allowed
businesses to invest and grow without the fear of their investments being destroyed
by war or political upheaval.
5. Colonial Empire:
Britain had colonies around the world which provided raw materials (like cotton)
and also served as markets to sell goods. This helped British businesses grow.
6. Innovative Thinking:
Britain had many inventors and scientists who created new machines and
technologies, like the steam engine, which made production faster and cheaper.
7. Labour Supply:
With the Agricultural Revolution, many people moved to cities in search of work.
This available labour force was critical for manning the new factories.
8. Transportation Network:
Britain developed a strong transportation network, including roads, canals, and
later, railways. This made it easier to move raw materials to factories and finished
goods to markets.
9. Capitalism and Entrepreneurship:
The culture in Britain encouraged business and trade. There was a spirit of
entrepreneurship where people were willing to take risks to start new businesses
and industries.
Summary:
The Industrial Revolution began in Britain because it had the right combination
of natural resources, innovative thinkers, economic conditions, political stability,
a strong transportation network, and a culture that encouraged entrepreneurship.
All these factors came together to create the perfect environment for
industrialization to start and thrive.

Dear reader, we can also talk about how the discovery of electricity and the
development of electrical technology brought about significant changes in energy use,
socio-economics, and culture. This can be proved with simple examples, such as how
electricity changed the way we light our homes, power our machines, and communicate
with each other by charging our phones with electricity, using electrical irons instead
of a box iron to iron our clothes, we now use an electrical stove instead of charcoal and
coal pot. We also use a refrigerator instead of a cooler pot.

4
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Fig. 6.2. Steam engine machine.

Fig. 6.3. Human-powered machine.

5
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Fig. 6.4. Causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution

Technological Transformations
Dear Reader, are you aware that throughout history, numerous technological
innovations have transformed the way we produce and utilise energy sources? Yes,
from the widespread adoption of coal as a primary energy source to the development
of steam engines, electricity, petroleum, and internal combustion engines, these
advancements have revolutionised the way we generate and harness energy, and how
each innovation has played a key role in shaping the world’s energy landscape and had
a profound impact on our daily lives.
Again, with the advent of factories, the landscape of the factory system underwent
substantial technological transformations. The establishment of factories facilitated
the division of labour and specialisation, empowering workers to concentrate on
specific tasks within the production process. This enhanced level of specialisation led to
increased efficiency and productivity, ultimately ushering in an era of mass production
of goods on a scale previously unimaginable.
In the early days of, transportation and communication, technological advancements
such as steam engines, steamships, automobiles, telegraphs, and radios played an
essential role in transforming connectivity. Steam engines revolutionised long-distance
travel and the transportation of goods, making it faster and more efficient. Similarly,
steamships allowed for easier and quicker sea travel, opening new opportunities for
trade and exploration.

Fig. 6.5. Weaving loom Fig. 6.6. Weaving Machine

6
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Activity 6.1

Write any three ways, by which the Industrial Revolution has brought about
technological transformation in the African continent.

Activity 6.2

Write in section B of the table below the name of the machine manufactured to
replace the hand-made activities in section A

Hand-made Activities (Section A) Name of the machine (Section B)

1. Grinding of ingredients such as tomatoes,

onion, ginger and so on with stones and
earthenware bowls.

2. Weeding with cutlasses and hoes.

3. Weaving of Kente cloths.

The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society

Economic Growth and Productivity
The Industrial Revolution significantly increased productivity and economic growth
in several ways. First, machines replaced manual labour, allowing for faster and
more efficient production processes. The factories introduced assembly lines, which
modernised production and increased the quantity of goods produced.
For instance, technological progresses, such as the steam engine and power loom,
improved the speed and quality of manufacturing and workers specialized in specific
tasks, improving efficiency and skill in those areas.
Finally dear reader, improved transportation, like railways and steamships, facilitated
the faster movement of raw materials and finished goods, reducing costs and increasing
production speed. The mass production techniques reduced the cost per unit, making
goods cheaper and more accessible. this in the end promoted economic growth.

7
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Fig. 6.7. A picture a steam engine.

Urbanisation
Many people moved from rural areas to cities to work in factories, leading to rapid
urbanisation. Cities grew in size and number, with more people living in urban areas
than ever before. As people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of factory jobs,
the population of these urban areas changed extremely, leading to the development
of urban communities and impacting various aspects of society such as economy,
infrastructure, and culture.

Changes in Labour
Dear reader, the Industrial Revolution led to the movement of people from rural areas
to cities to work in factories, leaving behind agricultural jobs as we see many of our
young people do now. Hence, many children worked in factories to help support their
families, often in dangerous conditions.
Also, the demand for skilled artisans decreased as machines took over tasks, leading
to more unskilled labour jobs. Poor working conditions and low wages led to the rise
of labour unions, which fought for workers’ rights and better conditions. Despite the
harsh conditions, the Industrial Revolution created many new jobs and opportunities
for people.

8
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Figure 6.8. Workers demonstrating during the Industrial Revolution Era

European demand for raw materials

The Industrial Revolution greatly increased the demand for raw materials in Europe.
Factories and machines needed large amounts of raw materials like coal, iron, and
cotton to produce goods. As production grew, so did the need for these materials,
leading to more mining, farming, and global trade to meet the high demand.

Colonial Influence
During the Industrial Revolution, factories needed more raw materials like cotton,
rubber, and minerals. Colonies became important sources of these materials, so
European countries took control of them and used their resources. this made African
countries specialise in the production of raw materials like gold, cocoa, coffee, rubber
and oil palm to feed the industries in Europe.
Again, as European factories made more products, they needed new places to sell them.
Colonies became markets for these goods, making the colonies depend on European
products while, new military technology, like better guns and ships, gave European
countries a big advantage over the people they colonised. This made it easier for them
to defeat resistance and stay in control.
Finally, on colonial influence, the money made from factories was often used to build
things in the colonies, like railways, ports, and telegraph lines. This made it easier to
get raw materials from the colonies and ship them back to Europe.

Improvement in communication
The invention of the telegraph allowed messages to be sent over long distances while
the invention of the steam-powered printing press increased the speed and efficiency
of printing. This technology made it possible to produce newspapers and books in large
quantities, making information more accessible to the public and fostering the spread
of literacy and education.
Finally, the invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 allowed
for voice communication over long distances. Telephones soon became essential for
business operations and personal communication, further bringing the world closer.

9
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Fig. 6.9. Pictures of Telegraph.

Transportation
The Industrial Revolution changed transportation in big ways. Before, most travel was
by foot, horse, or boat. But during the Industrial Revolution, inventions like steam
engines and railways made travel faster and easier. Trains could carry goods and people
farther and faster than ever before. This made trade between cities easier and helped
industries grow faster. Roads also improved to handle more traffic, making travel by
horse and cart more efficient. Overall, the Industrial Revolution made transportation
faster, more reliable and connected distant places like never before.

Fig 6.10 Pictures of various modes on transport

10
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

International trade
During the Industrial Revolution, trade between nations increased a lot. New machines
and factories made it easier to produce goods faster and cheaper. This meant countries
could make more things to sell abroad. Steam-powered ships and trains made
transportation faster and safer, so goods could be shipped farther away. Also, new ways
of communication, like telegraphs, helped businesses coordinate across long distances.
Trade grew because countries could specialize in what they were best at making. For
example, one country might be good at making cloth, while another was good at making
machines. They could trade these goods, which helped their economies grow. Overall,
the Industrial Revolution made trade between nations bigger and more important than
ever before.

Activity 6.3

Highlight key inventions that promoted trade among countries during the
Industrial Revolution era.

Activity 6.4

Annotate on the map below some areas where the Industrial Revolution had
an impact on Africa. Think about the different ways in which the Industrial
Revolution impacted Africa and the different areas that were affected.

11
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Dear Reader, thanks for going through this section successfully. You are a star!!

12
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

EXTENDED READING
Click on the links below to watch videos on the Industrial Revolution
https://youtu.be/mjI641NqI1I

https://youtu.be/Xpb9XKmRsyw

13
Review Questions

1. State the origin of the Industrial Revolution and discuss any three ways by which
it impacted the African continent
2. Discuss any three negative effects of the Industrial Revolution on the world
community
3. Discuss any three advantages of the Industrial Revolution to the African continent
4. How did the Industrial Revolution change the way goods were traded between
countries?

14
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

References
1. Zuiderhoek, A. (2016). The ancient city. Cambridge University Press
2. Brett, M. (2013). Approaching African History. Boydell & Brewer Ltd
3. https://19thcentury.us/i
4. https://www.google.com/search?q=industrial%20revolution%20inventions&ud-
m=2&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CCMQtI8BKAJqFwoTCIDQkP7bnIcDFQA-
AAAAdAAAAABAH

15
SECTION 6 REVOLUTIONS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

List of Contributors
Name Institution

Lawrence K. Odumah (PHD) UEW, Winneba

Opoku Afriyie Prince Presby College of Education, Akropong

Millicent Agyeman Badu Methodist Girls High School, Mamfe

Jemima Ayensu Holy Child SHS, Cape Coast

16