Explain and
critically assess the significance of innovations exploiting abundant
resources in the British Industrial Revolution. Hence discuss alternative
explanations that have been put forward to account for the changes
observed in the Industrial Revolution.
Guidance:
In the
first part of your essay you set out briefly what were the “abundant resources”
(esp. coal and iron), going on to identify the key innovations generally
associated with the (first) Industrial Revolution whether or not they exploited
the abundant resources. Include
developments in steam power, including the engineering skills needed in the
construction of machines; innovations in textiles manufacture (esp. cotton
spinning); and other industries (you choose).
You should then be ready to offer the assessment called for in the
question, noting aspects of the innovations that may be neglected in seeking to
account for the Industrial Revolution (e.g., the role of international
trade).
Moving on to the second part of the question, you
should identify alternative explanations that have been proposed, including –
at least – the role of ‘Enlightenment’ ideas as put forward especially by Joel Mokyr. In your discussion, you should acknowledge
that there is no single correct explanation, though your assessment may allow
that some have more credence than others in view of the available evidence.
Getting started references (See EC120 Reading List for
details):
Allen,
R.C. The British Industrial Revolution in Global Perspective, ch. 4 and
6.
Crafts,
N. “Explaining the first Industrial Revolution: two views”, European Review
of Economic History, vol.15, April 2011, pp. 153–168.
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