Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of people there during industrialization. How does that compare with India at the present?
Industrial revolution is the process by which first Britain and later other western countries transformed from an agricultural economy to industrial economy.
Reasons for Industrial Revolution:
- Scientific discoveries and Invention (e.g. Steam Engine by James Watt)
- Geographical discoveries and world trade( production for export to colonies)
- Capitalism and Capitalists (Competition, profit, supply and demand drove capitalism)
- Colonialism- Colonies provided the nations with captive markets for finished goods as well as a source to import cheap raw materials.
Reasons for industrial Revolution to first occur in England:
- Accumulation of capital in Britain from colonies especially India.
- Availability of Iron and coal: Iron and coal were the main natural resources that drove industrial revolution. Britain had both of them in abundance.
- Agricultural Revolution and availability of cheap labor: The Enclosure moment in England led to land consolidation which increased production and efficiency. It left numerous unemployed. This surplus labor was exploited by Industries.
- Stable and strong government: Britain’s naval superiority was unparalleled. This provided stability for trade and commerce.
- Superior Communication- Invention of Telegram
Quality of life in England during industrialization:
- Deplorable conditions prevailed in England during Industrial Revolution
- There were no labor rights and maximization of profit led to exploitation of labor. In order to save cost, laborers were provided little remuneration and rights. Child labor was also prevalent.
- Lack of proper housing for workers led them to be cramped up tight spaces. Not only industries but also diseases, poverty and hunger flourished in England.
- Absence of labor rights: Workers were too exploited. Karl Marx put forward his communist vision by observing the condition of labor England.
- Absence of safety net for poor.
Comparison with present India:
India, China, Africa were help back due to colonial rule. They have been late to industrialize their economics. They did not enjoy the advantages enjoyed by the early Industrializers. However, the path taken by their nations are quite different from those followed by them.
- Presence of Labor Rights: Indian constitution guarantees basic fundamental rights including rights to form unions.
- Presence of welfare provisions to protect the interests of the extremely poor and vulnerable.
- Presence of Right Based Legislations to guarantee minimum standard of living. This approach such as Right to food (NFSA 2016), Right to work (MGNREGA),
Thus, though there are some similarities such as poor standard of life between present India and Industrializing England, There is qualitative difference in the legal, social and political environment.
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