Technology of the Industrial Revolution

Technology of the Industrial Revolution — page 3
8 Introduction Technology is the process by which human beings fashion tools and machines to change manipulate and control their envi ronment In the modern world technology is all around Automobiles computers nuclear power spacecraft and X-ray cameras are all examples of technological advances The Industrial Revolution began when the first factories were established in England in about 1740 to produce textiles Within 100 years poorly made woolen goods were largely replaced by cotton goods especially after the invention of the cotton gin by the American Eli Whitney in 1793 The steam engine introduced in the early 18th century became the principal power source for fac tories and later with the development of the steam locomotive for transportation Guns with interchangeable parts replaced handcrafted weapons Mass production of many products compared to those produced by individual craftsmen was made possible with the help of new machine tools The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on society For instance the factory system changed people’s way of life It destroyed the guilds and the role of the artisan Labor became a commodity that often exploited the men women and children who worked tediously in the factories