HIS337H1 Lecture : Why Britain Industrialized First - Feb 11th 2014.docx
Document Summary
Why britain industrialized first: geography island status, ample coastline, hilly terrain & fast flowing streams, politics and law free government and press. Well-developed system of property law including defence of inventions. Little government interference in the economy: relatively open society. Monetary and social rewards for entrepreneurship, complete with recognition from the state (i. e. knighthoods) Established international trade markets taking pre-industrial manufactured goods (textiles, hardware) 1760- 1830: the industrial revolution in britain. Why is britain to special in the world an in europe. It"s the geography bulk transport is cheap through water. France is undergoing through eth same process but is not so lucky. Politics and law- free press and legal system. Possible to get into eth house of lords- ppl have incentives to get rich. It"s easier to get rich in britain than in the rest of europe. A product of innovation at home- consumer revolution. Industrial output, exports and home consumption in england & wales, 1700-1785.
