3-2-1

The three things I learned in this Chapter are: That Thomas Malthus and David Ricardo through supporting Adam Smith's ideas formed Capitalism.  Great Britain led the Industrial Revolution setting an example and power focus for the world.  Many of the qualities of life changed because of the rapid growth in cities.

Two things I found Interesting in this chapter were: That the steam engine was a major factor in Industralization.  That a middle class was formed out of this era, redefining the social structure.

One question I still have: Is this rapid growth in Great Britain what led to their imperial power?

Socialism

In many European countries, and other countries across the world, there exists a base of Socialist societies and economic systems.  This means that many of the factors of production are run and owned by the public, or the publicly elected government body, and operate for the wellness of the public.  It works on the idea that people are genuinely good and will help others, not always the case within our world.  The United Kingdom, and Canada are two of the countries in which Socialism exists to a point.

Reform: Unions

People were growing tired of being mistreated by owners of factories and by the working conditions they were given.  The Unions were collections of workers who would try to negotiate with their employers to try and get better working conditions, and higher pay.  The workers could strike and the business as a whole would lose money, so the employer would need to follow their demands.  This reform, because of government acts, was slow going.
It is my opinion that this was a very beneficial reform for the society of the world as a whole.  If we allow our workers to be healthier and happier they produce better work for us.  This thus makes lasting jobs for the people and better quality goods.

Connection Across Time: The Internet

An invention that is helping to shape our world today like many inventions in the Industrial Revolution is the Internet.  Commissioned as a way to build a stronger computer network on projects by the United States government back in the 1960s, it would and will prove to be the fourth greatest invention of mankind.  Information is now passed instantly around the world, people stay more connected, businesses are able to post new ideas and thoughts with one another, and education systems are using it as a tool for students.  After all what cannot be found on the Internet?

The Locomotive

Funded by Samuel Homfray, Richard Trevithick designed and build a machine that ran on wheels similar to horse buggies.  On February 22, 1804 Trevithick won a bet of several thousand pounds for his machine that could carry large amounts of weight.  By running on tracks from place to place carrying large loads, the locomotive quickly became a major transportation method for many.  It worked to move large quantities of goods from place to place, and eventually also people.  It was a cheep and efficient way to transport.

The Telephone

The Scottish born inventor Alexander Grahm Bell had an idea: if a person could send little clicks across wire, why couldn't people talk directly to one another?  In 1876 Bell patented the telephone allowing for the growth of communication and also the destruction of the telegraph.  The world would soon have the ability to converse with one another instantly.  This would help with the downfall of writing letters, and also with old methods of communication.

The Steam Engine

It was a simple goal for James Watt, Professor of mathematics at the University of Glasgow, make a machine that could be cheap, and convenient power making device.  Working off of earlier and highly inefficient designs, Watt created a more efficient device that used less fuel and produced more power.

With the 'creation' of this machine a new era of machines would rise.  They could not only be used for power in factories, but also on steam boats, locomotives, and eventually automobiles.  This would help propel the world into an era with faster transports under the control of men, unlike sailing.

Introduction Chapter Nine

Through the years 1700 to 1900, the world began to change.  No longer were factories full of people, but were now full of machines that could do jobs of former workers.  These machines were not only cheaper in the long run, they also provided efficient and consistent work for the owners.  This growth led to a height in the productions of goods in Europe along with North America.  This era is known as the Industrial Revolution.

The goal I hope to achieve within this Chapter is to understand Great Britain's influence and significance in this era as I think it had a large significance to its imperial growth.