Which Revolution preceded the Industrial Revolution in England?
- Green Revolution
- Agrarian Revolution
- Demographic Revolution
- Happiness Revolution
Answer
Agrarian Revolution
Who invented 'The Flying Shuttle' which increased the speed of weaving?
- John Key
- James Hargreaves
- Richard Arkwright
- Jenny
Answer
John Key
Which amongst the following did not lead to the Rise of Capitalism?
- Legal Requirement
- Trade Union Movement
- Mass Production
- Disappearance of Small Farmers
Answer
Trade Union Movement
Which of the following is not a cause for the rise of socialism?
- Trade Union Movement
- Chartist Movement
- Reaction to Capitalism
- Rise of nation states
Answer
Rise of nation states
Who considered Capitalist society as a society divided between two classes—the working class and the employing class?
- Karl Marx
- Babeuf
- Saint-Simon
- Frederick Engels
Answer
Karl Marx
(A) The Industrial Revolution first began in England and then spread to many other countries of the world.
(B) England had a large colonial empire to provide raw material at cheaper rates for her factories and to serve as a market for her manufactured goods.
- (B) contradicts (A)
- (B) is the reason for (A)
- (A) is true but (B) is false.
- (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer
(B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation — Easily available raw material and market favoured the industrial revolution in England.
(A) Capitalism is the economic system that generates and gives power to the capitalists.
(B) In capitalism, the means of production such as labour, raw material, tools and machines are owned and controlled by public.
- (B) contradicts (A)
- (B) is the reason for (A)
- (A) is true but (B) is false.
- (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer
(A) is true but (B) is false.
Explanation — In capitalism, the means of production such as labour, raw material, tools and machines are owned and controlled by Capitalists and not by the public.
(A) Due to the Industrial Revolution, skilled labourers lost their jobs as new machines replaced them.
(B) Women and children were recruited in factories as they could be hired for very low wages.
- (B) contradicts (A)
- (B) is the reason for (A)
- (A) is true but (B) is false.
- (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer
(B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation — Loss of traditional jobs was one of the effects of industrial revolution. It also led to exploitation of women and children as they were hired as labourers for very low wages.
(A) Socialism is an economic system in which the means of production are owned by the community and in which all share fairly the wealth produced.
(B) The evil effects of Capitalism and the spirit of improving the conditions of workers gave rise to socialism.
- (B) contradicts (A)
- (B) is the reason for (A)
- (A) is true but (B) is false.
- (A) and (B) are independent of each other.
Answer
(B) is the reason for (A)
Explanation — The negative effects of capitalism, such as wealth inequality and poor working conditions, along with a desire to improve the condition of workers, did contribute to the rise of socialism.
What is meant by the term, 'Industrial Revolution'?
Answer
The Industrial Revolution is the name given to a series of changes that brought about a transition from production by hand to production by machine, from small-scale production to large scale production, from handmade goods to machine-made goods. It denotes all those changes that took place in the field of industry during the second half of the 18th century and the first half of 19th century.
Name any two consequences of the Industrial Revolution in the economic field.
Answer
Two consequences of the Industrial Revolution in the economic field were:
- By 1820s, income level for most workers began to improve.
- The economy was expanding at a rate that was more than twice the pace at which it had grown before Industrial Revolution.
What is Capitalism?
Answer
The economic system which generates and gives power to capitalists (owner of wealth or capital) is known as Capitalism.
Who was Karl Marx? Name his outstanding work.
Answer
Karl Marx was a German political philosopher and economist who gave revolutionary socialist ideas.
His outstanding works are Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital.
What is meant by Socialism?
Answer
Socialism is defined as an economic system in which the means of production are owned not by private individuals but by the community in order that all may share more fairly in the wealth produced. The evil effects of Capitalism and the spirit of improving the condition of workers gave birth to socialism.
How did the evil effects of Industrial Revolution help in the rise of Socialism?
Answer
As a result of Industrial Revolution the society was divided into two distinct classes — the Capitalist and the Socialists. The capitalists had their selfish interests and they began to exploit the workers. They paid them low wages and made them work for long hours. They amassed great wealth and began to lead a luxurious life at the cost of the workers. The rich were becoming richer and the poor, still poorer. This gulf went on widening and created social disharmony and ultimately led to struggle between the two classes. The socialist took the cause of the workers and tried to save them from the exploitation of the capitalists.
Mention any two effects of the Industrial Revolution on the general public.
Answer
Two effects of the Industrial Revolution on the general public were:
- Loss of traditional jobs — Women in households, who had earned income from spinning, found the new factories taking away their source of income. Skilled labourers lost their jobs as new machines replaced them.
- Exploitation — In the factories, people had to work for long hours under harsh conditions. Factory owners and managers paid the minimum amount necessary for a workforce, often recruiting women and children at low wages.
Mention any two advantages of Industrialisation?
Answer
Two advantages of Industrialisation are:
- Industrialisation increased the national wealth, raised the standard of living, made life more comfortable. The economy was expanding at a rate that was more than twice the pace at which it had grown before Industrial Revolution.
- The widespread poverty and constant threat of mass starvation that had haunted the pre-industrial age were reduced.
Mention two negative effects of the Industrial Revolution on labourers.
Answer
Two bad effects of the Industrial Revolution on labourers were:
- Exploitation — People had to work for long hours and under harsh condition. Factory owners and managers paid the minimum amount necessary for a workforce, often recruiting women and children to tend the machines because they could be hired for very low wages.
- Stress and Strain — Due to division of labour, each worker had to perform one task rather than a single worker doing the entire job. This improved productivity but made jobs repetitive and boring. Workers had to labour for many hours often more than 12-14 hours and people worked 6 days a week. Factory workers faced strict rules and close supervision by the managers. Safety was not a matter of concern, and workers often suffered serious even fatal accidents.
Mention any two differences between 'Capitalism and Socialism'.
Answer
| Sl. No. | Capitalism | Socialism |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capitalism refers to the economic system in which the means of production like labour, raw material, tools and machines are owned by private individuals or groups of them for profit. | Socialism refers to the economic system in which the government owns and controls the means of production (as factories) and distribution of goods. |
| 2 | In Capitalism production is for profit; useful goods and services are a by-product of pursuing profit. | In Socialism production is for use; useful goods and services are produced specifically for their usefulness. |
The industrial revolution marked a change from hand work to machine work and from domestic system of production to factory system of production. In this context, discuss the role of the following factors in ushering in the Industrial Revolution:
(a) Invention of machines.
(b) Availability of coal and iron.
(c) Improved Transportation.
Answer
(a) Invention of machines — Invention of machinery and its use in manufacturing was the starting point of Industrial revolution. John Key, a weaver of Lancashire, invented 'The Flying Shuttle' which increased the speed of weaving. It also made the weaving of broad cloth by one man possible. A Lancashire weaver named James Hargreaves invented a machine called the spinning Jenny. It could spin eight threads at a time instead of one thread of the old-fashioned spinning wheel. Richard Arkwright invented the 'Water Frame'. It produced harder and stronger yarn than that of the spinning Jenny, but it was run by water power. It ushered the factory system.
(b) Availability of coal and iron — Natural resources such as iron and coal were available in England. The iron and coal mines were situated close to each other. Iron was used in making machines. The coal provided cheap fuel. Both these factors helped in the development of industries.
(c) Improved Transportation — In the second half of the 18th century, transport system in England was adequate. The use of tarcoal and tar enabled the construction of roads in many European countries. Steamboats and steamships were used extensively. George Stephenson designed his first locomotive engine, which was used for hauling coal in the Killingworth colliery. This brought about a revolution in transport. James Watt invented the steam engine. The discovery of steam as a source of power, facilitated the industrial revolution as it was used for transport both on land and sea.
With reference to the Industrial Revolution in England, state the role of the following factors:
(a) Availability of Raw material.
(b) Transport System.
(c) Growth of population.
Answer
(a) Availability of Raw material — England had a large colonial empire. From her colonies she could get raw material at cheaper rates for her factories. These colonies also served as markets for the British manufactured goods.
(b) Transport System — The use of tarcoal and tar enabled the construction of roads in many European countries. Steamboats and steamships were used extensively. George Stephenson designed his first locomotive engine, which was used for hauling coal in the Killingworth colliery. This brought about a revolution in transport. James Watt invented the steam engine. The discovery of steam as a source of power, facilitated the industrial revolution as it was used for transport both on land and sea.
(c) Growth of population — The population was growing rapidly with developing science and technology as death rate had declined. This created a huge demand of goods like clothes, food etc. In other words we can say that the increasing population served as huge market for the ready products. The rural population had risen sharply as new sources of food became available, and the death rates declined due to fewer plagues and wars. At the same time, many small farms disappeared. Thus, people from the rural areas migrated to the urban areas for employment, education, cultural benefits, better freedom and enjoyment.
With reference to the rise of Capitalism, answer the following questions:
(a) What were the causes for the rise of Capitalism?
(b) What was the impact of Capitalism on the working class?
(c) How did it give rise to Socialism?
Answer
(a) The causes for the rise of Capitalism were:
- Increase in population — People from the rural areas migrated to the urban areas for employment, education, cultural benefits, better freedom and enjoyment.
- Legal Requirement — There was the new enclosure law which required farmers to put fences or hedges around their fields to prevent common grazing on the land. That's why small farmers had to sell their fields as it was expensive to put fences and search for work elsewhere. These factors combined to provide a ready workforce for the new industries.
- Growth of Towns — New manufacturing towns and cities grew dramatically. Many of these cities were located close to the coalfields that supplied fuel to the factories.
- Mass Production — Mass production destroyed the domestic system of production. The growth of industries and use of huge machines gave rise to factories.
- Disappearance of Small Farmers — Small farmers shifted to new industrial towns. They were forced to seek employment in the factories because they were replaced by big landlords.
(b) The impact of Capitalism on the working class is summarised below:
- There was loss of traditional jobs. Women in households earning income from spinning and traditional handloom weavers were impacted as they could no longer compete with mechanised production. Skilled labourers lost their jobs as new machines replaced them.
- People worked long hours under harsh conditions. Factory owners and managers often recruited women and children and paid very low wages.
- Jobs were repetitive and boring. The labourers had to work more than 12 to 14 hours a day and six days a week. Safety was not a matter of concern. They faced strict rules and supervision with their life ruled by the clock.
- Working people moved to cities and cities became over crowded. The working poor lived in crowded areas in the centre of cities in shoddy houses.
- By 1820s, income levels of workers began to improve and people adjusted to the different circumstances and conditions.
(c) The capitalists had their selfish interests and the began to exploit the workers. They paid them low wages and made them work for long hours. They amassed great wealth and began to lead a luxurious life at the cost of the workers. The rich were becoming richer and the poor, still poorer. This gulf went on widening and created social disharmony and ultimately led to rise of Socialism. The evil effects of Capitalism and the spirit of improving the condition of workers gave birth to Socialism.
With reference to Capitalism and Socialism, state the following:
(a) Difference between Capitalism and Socialism in terms of control over means of production and profit.
(b) Two key proponents each of Capitalism and Socialism. Give examples of two countries where each economic system is prevalent.
(c) What according to you is better of the two economic systems? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer
(a) In Capitalism, the means of production like labour, raw material, tools and machines are owned by private individuals or groups of them for profit whereas in Socialism, the government owns and controls the means of production (as factories) and distribution of goods.
(b) The two key proponents of Capitalism were Richard Cantillon and Adam Smith while the two key proponents of Socialism were Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels.
Two examples of countries where Capitalism is prevalent are the USA and the UK while two examples of countries where Socialism is prevalent are China and Denmark.
(c) Capitalism is better of the two economic systems. It believes in free market and is opposed to government intervention. Many Capitalist countries like the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia; are developed and successful. To prevent the drawbacks of Capitalism, the government should enforce laws in favour of labourers and working class to prevent their exploitation. Government should enforce laws of fair minimum wages and reasonable working hours. Labour laws relating to safety of labourers and protection against exploitation should be enforced to check the evil effects of the Capitalist economic system.
With reference to the picture given, answer the following questions:
(a) Identify the person in the picture. Name his longtime associate and co-author. Name one famous publication of this person and his associate.
(b) What were the causes for the rise of the economic system propounded by these two individuals?
(c) Briefly describe the type of society they envisioned.
Answer
(a) The person in the given picture is Karl Marx. Frederick Engels was his longtime associate and co-author. One of their famous publications was 'Das Kapital'.
(b) The causes for the rise of the socialist economic system are:
- Rise in evils of capitalism — The capitalist economy was exploiting the worker class due to which there was resentment in them.
- Trade union movements — These movements aimed at recognition of the rights of workers. The vast difference between rich and poor was brought into sharp focus.
- The Chartist Movement — It was started to achieve social and political equality.
(c) They had envisioned a society without exploitation. In a socialist society, private property in the means of production would be headed by co-operative ownership. A socialist economy would not base production on the creation of private profits, but would instead base production and economic activity on the criteria of satisfying human needs. Karl Marx had envisioned a classless and stateless system.
Do you think that the Industrial revolution was an offshoot of the Renaissance? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer
Yes, the Industrial revolution can be considered as an offshoot of the Renaissance. After the Renaissance and the Reformation, Englishmen began to enjoy the freedom of thought and expression. There was scope for experimentation; and the government did not interfere in their daily life. It was in this atmosphere that the Englishmen thought of new methods of production. Therefore, we can say that the industrial revolution started as a result of congenial environment provided after Renaissance.
Imagine that you are transported in a Time Machine in the era when Industrial Revolution began in England. Write down the problems faced by the workers who were used to making products by hand.
Answer
Industrial revolution has made the lives of people miserable, specially skilled workers and traditional weavers. As I can see, the traditional weavers are not weaving clothes anymore because there are no buyers for hand woven clothes. People are buying factory made clothes that are available at cheaper price. They have lost their jobs and means of their livelihood. Skilled workers have lost their jobs to machines that are faster and more efficient. Women are most affected as they are mostly confined to unpaid household works. Iron smelters and wood craftsmen have also left their jobs and most of them have migrated to cities to work as labourers. Agriculture sector has also been affected as the farmers have left farming and have moved to cities in a hope to earn money.
Overall, I can feel the painful and miserable lives of the traditional workers. They are in dire need of some help from the government or system so that they can restart their lives.
If you are given a choice between Capitalism and Socialism, which one you will choose and why? Give reasons to support your answer.
Answer
I will choose Capitalism as it has proven to be the most effective system for generating wealth, creating jobs, and improving standards of living for people around the world.
Capitalism provides a framework for a dynamic, efficient, and innovative economy that respects individual freedom and choice. It believes in free market and is opposed to government intervention. Many Capitalist countries like the USA, the UK, Canada and Australia; are developed and successful.
To prevent the drawbacks of Capitalism, the government should enforce laws in favour of labourers and working class to prevent their exploitation. Government should enforce laws of fair minimum wages and reasonable working hours. Labour laws relating to safety of labourers and protection against exploitation should be enforced to check the evil effects of the Capitalist economic system.
While socialism has its own advantages, it often involves government control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange, which can lead to inefficiencies and a lack of innovation. This can stifle individual initiative, creativity, and entrepreneurship.