What was the Industrial Revolution?
A large-scale transition from man-power to machine power, involving an energy revolution (fossil fuels) and technology revolution (steam engine, railroads, telegraph)
Where did the Industrial Revolution begin and what was the order of spread?
Started in Britain (1784), then spread to Belgium → France → Germany → United States → Russia → Japan
What are the FOUR main reasons Britain industrialized first?
1) Geographic: coal, iron, waterways, Agricultural Revolution 2) Political: stable government, property rights, laissez-faire 3) Economic: capital from colonies, stock markets 4) Social: growing population, Enlightenment ideas, social mobility
What was the key factor in US industrialization?
Human capital - immigrants from Europe and East Asia, plus rural migrants provided factory labor. By 1900, US was a leading industrial force.
How did Russian industrialization differ from US industrialization?
Russia: top-down, state-initiated change by autocratic government. US: bottom-up, change driven by free farmers, workers, and businessmen in a democratic system.
What was the Trans-Siberian Railroad and why was it important?
A major railroad project across Russia that helped industrialize the country, focusing on railroads and heavy industry fueled by foreign investment.
What caused the 1905 Russian Revolution?
Harsh factory conditions (13-hour days, no unions), defeat in war with Japan, rapid industrialization strains. Workers created soviets (councils) and forced limited reforms including the Duma.
What is laissez-faire economics?
Economic policy based on Adam Smith’s ideas - self-interest and free markets regulate the economy without government intervention. “Let it be.”
What is the “Iron Law of Wages” (David Ricardo)?
Theory that high wages lead to large families, which floods the job market, eventually driving wages back down in a cycle.
What did Thomas Malthus predict?
Population grows exponentially while resources grow linearly, leading to inevitable crisis/famine. (He was wrong - didn’t account for technology)
What is utilitarianism?
Philosophy by Jeremy Bentham - government should create “the greatest good for the greatest number.” Used to justify reforms.
What is socialism?
Economic system where the community shares the means of production (land, labor, capital) for the benefit of all. Goal is equality.
What is communism (Marxism)?
EXTREME socialism achieved by REVOLUTION. Karl Marx believed the bourgeoisie (factory owners) exploit the proletariat (workers), who must revolt and seize wealth. No private property.
What are the bourgeoisie and proletariat?
Bourgeoisie = factory owners/capitalist class. Proletariat = working class/factory workers. Marx said history is a class struggle between them.
How did workers respond to industrial capitalism?
Formed labor unions to improve conditions, limit hours, gain higher wages. Created political parties promoting alternative visions (socialism, communism).
Why was the Ottoman Empire called the “Sick Man of Europe”?
Lost territory to nationalist uprisings and European powers, traditional systems corrupt/ineffective, military outdated, empire declining.
What were the Tanzimat Reforms?
Ottoman modernization movement - ended millet system (all subjects equal under law), attempted industrialization, promoted “Ottomanism” (national identity).
What happened to the Janissaries?
In 1826, the Sultan officially ended the Janissaries (they were no longer effective). They revolted, and the Sultan killed all who resisted.
What was the Taiping Rebellion?
(1850-1864) Chinese peasant uprising inspired by Christianity. Wanted to abolish private property, opium, foreigners, foot binding. 20-30 million died. Qing eventually suppressed it.
What was China’s Self-Strengthening Movement?
(1860s-1870s) Qing reforms after Taiping Rebellion - reformed civil service exam, rebuilt infrastructure, created factories/telegraphs/steel. LIMITED modernization because elites feared losing power.
What was China’s status by 1900?
Weak and under European/Japanese spheres of influence. Failed to modernize effectively.
What caused the Meiji Restoration in Japan?
1) Pre-existing problems in Tokugawa system 2) Commodore Matthew Perry (1853) forced Japan to trade (Treaty of Kanagawa) 3) Threat of Western imperialism
What was the Meiji Restoration?
(1868) Short civil war that overthrew Tokugawa Shogunate. Japan rapidly westernized and modernized to become a world power. “Knowledge shall be sought throughout the world.”
What changes occurred during Meiji Restoration?
Ended feudalism (no more samurai/shogun), moved emperor to Tokyo, created Diet (parliament), adopted Western government/technology, government-led industrialization.
