GEC108-STS
Questions:
1. What is the Industrial Revolution (IR), and why did it occur?
- Since "industry" denotes a specific group of productive or profit-oriented
enterprises, and "revolution" signifies a sudden, radical, or complete
transformation, the Industrial Revolution was a time in history when people
shifted from farming and making things by hand to using machines and
factories.The Industrial Revolution occurred due to factors like abundant
natural resources (coal and iron), a stable government, a strong banking
system, technological advancements, and the Agricultural Revolution, which
freed workers for factories. A growing population also increased the demand
for goods, driving industrial growth.
2. Explain the factors that enabled the First Industrial Revolution to begin in
18th-century Britain.
- The First Industrial Revolution started in 18th-century Britain because of
many important reasons. Britain had plenty of coal and iron to power
machines and make steel. The government was stable, and the banking
system helped businesses grow. New inventions, like the flying shuttle and
spinning jenny, made textile production faster. Better farming methods
produced more food, so more people could work in factories. Britain’s
colonies provided raw materials and places to sell goods. Its location, with
good ports and a suitable climate, also helped. All these factors made Britain
the perfect place for the Industrial Revolution to begin.
3. List up to five key inventions of the 1st Industrial Revolution.
● Flying Shuttle (1733) – John Kay’s invention sped up weaving and boosted
textile production.
● Spinning Jenny (1765) – James Hargreaves invented a machine that enabled
one worker to spin multiple threads simultaneously.
● Water Frame (1769) – Richard Arkwright’s machine used water power to spin
strong and fine threads efficiently.
● Steam Engine (1712, improved in 1769) – Initially developed by Thomas
Newcomen and later improved by James Watt, it powered machines and
transformed transportation.
● Power Loom (1785) – Edmund Cartwright’s invention automated the weaving
process, increasing fabric production.
4. How does child labor during the Industrial Revolution compare to modern child labor
practices in developing countries? What laws in the Philippines protect children from
child labor?
- During the Industrial Revolution, the government focused more on luxury than
protecting workers, causing many children to suffer. Poor families send their
children to work as soon as possible. These children worked 12–16 hours a
day in unsafe factories, coal mines, and textile mills. They were paid very little
and missed out on education and basic rights. In modern times, child labor
still exists in agriculture, factories, mining, and informal jobs. Many children
work to help their families, often in unsafe conditions. Some miss school,
which limits their future opportunities. Although international laws protect
against child labor, enforcement remains weak in some regions.
- Philippine laws that protect children from child labor includes:
