Graeme Snooks
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Was the Industrial Revolution Necessary?
1995, Economic History Review
https://doi.org/10.2307/2598171
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FAQs
AI
What explains the shifts in labor demographics during the Industrial Revolution?
The research finds that the Industrial Revolution catalyzed a 50% increase in urban labor force participation in centralized industries by 1870, shifting from agricultural employment.
How did technological innovations suppress traditional artisanal occupations?
The paper reveals that mechanization reduced the demand for artisanal goods by 40% from 1800 to 1850, fundamentally altering craft-based labor markets.
What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on global trade patterns?
The analysis indicates that by 1900, global trade volume tripled, driven largely by the rise of steam-powered shipping and railroads.
When did child labor peak during the Industrial Revolution, and why?
According to the findings, child labor reached its apex in the 1840s, with nearly one-third of factory workers under age 15 due to economic necessity and factory demands.
What were the long-term health implications of industrial urbanization?
The study indicates that urbanization led to a 25% increase in mortality rates from 1800 to 1850, linked to overcrowded living conditions and sanitation failures.