World-history / Industrial Revolution / Spread of Industrial Revolution outside England
Spread of Industrial Revolution outside England
The Industrial Revolution gradually spread beyond England, influenced by various factors and specific historical contexts in different countries:
- Europe:
- Post-Napoleonic Era (1815): After the Napoleonic Wars, Europe shifted its focus towards industrial development. However, movements for democracy, independence, and territorial unification delayed the widespread adoption of industrialization until the mid-19th century.
- France: By 1850, France had begun developing its iron industry, but limited access to key resources like coal and iron ore hampered its progress.
- Germany: Following unification under Bismarck in 1871, German industrialization experienced rapid growth. Germany emerged as a significant rival to Britain in pig iron and coal production.
- Italy: Italy underwent industrialization after its unification in 1871.
- Russia: Russia, rich in natural resources, lagged due to constraints like serfdom and limited capital. The abolition of serfdom in 1861 and foreign capital infusion spurred Russian industrialization. However, the true industrial revolution only occurred after the 1917 October Revolution.
- United States:
- The United States began industrial development after gaining independence from Britain in 1783. Political turmoil, including territorial expansion and the Civil War, slowed early industrial progress.
- After 1870, industrial production surged, and the U.S. emerged as a major global supplier of finished goods by World War I.
- Japan:
- Japan was the first Asian country to industrialize. The Industrial Revolution took place in the late 19th century.
- Japan transitioned from being a traditional exporter of silk, toys, and porcelain to a major exporter of steel, machinery, metal goods, and chemicals.
The spread of industrialization was influenced by various factors, including political independence, security from invasions, availability of labour and capital, and stability in law and order. While Britain was the first to industrialize, other countries gradually embraced industrialization as these favourable conditions emerged. In contrast, many colonies, like India, did not experience these conditions simultaneously, contributing to a delayed industrialization process.
