The period known as the Victorian period during the 19th Century is noted for its growth in rich culture, the turning point of the modern economy, as well as one of the major factors that shape the modern world today. During this time urbanization was an event that occurred along with the development in science and social reforms. At this point of history, the government has evolved and morphed into a similar system as the current regime, and this mainly due to the expansion of certain areas of society. These areas are namely the adoption of technology, agricultural force, as well as population.
Pre-Urbanization
During the 1700s or pre-Victorian Period, this was namely the enlightenment and logical thought and thus increased the number of inventions. During the 1700s wool was the major industry and it was during this time when wool was on the refined markets of England. Families worked in units to increase the production of their textiles. This industry was mainly composed of handloomed weavers. Agriculture was also an important aspect of pre-Victorian times, since many rural families still relied on it as a food source for living, and was generally used for home consuming. Further more, there was a steady growing of population due to better health and better agricultural harvests. England was poised upon the position to engage industrialization for they were rich in resources, such as the access to cool and iron ores.
Urbanization
With the growth of technology regarding the textile industry, jobs were taken and endowed all over Britain. By implementing technology into factories, people discovered cheaper ways of creating textiles, such as flying shuttles and spinning jenny’s and workers were hired into the factory system. These factories generally appeared near water sources. As Water power was essential to run the machines. The steam engine Was developed by James Watt in the 1760s and was first used for pumping water from coal mines, but it was applied into factories, which became an attraction for work, and the labor force was mainly composed of women and children. Apart from the textile industry, iron smelting is also an important fact in the construction of great Britain. Abraham Darby was the first to produce coke-smelted cast iron and by the mid- nineteenth century, Henry Bessemer in mid-19th century developed a cheaper way of creating high quality steel, which allowed better technology and transportation to be invented. This made Britain’s even more advantageous, since they now had access to the material of the outside world. This shows a huge desire for the jobs created during the industrial revolution.
Agriculture was being developed during this time period as well. By “enclosing” land for capital use, there was a decline in agricultural labor. Also agriculture became a major market, and was used for enterprise rather than individual consumption. It was also this time period that brewed the idea of selective breeding. Land was more efficiently used and harvested with the help of technology.
Furthermore, the explosion in population also caused an opening for labor and increased the number of consumers. Factory workers were also defined as a separate class and lived in cramped households since the government had not anticipated such an increase of population within a city. People were obsessed with the idea of a better life and better opportunities and succumbed to go to cities, as urban areas promise better pay and a more enjoyable social life.
Modern World
Many aspects of the modern world resemble that of the Urbanization of Great Britain, as the majority of us live in urban areas as it is more convenient. Although we live in a time of different values, we must learn from actions we deem as their mistakes and prudent decisions in creating our modern world. Technology is growing at a rampant pace, and we have to be conscious about the repercussions they may give us. As seen with urbanization, with growing demand, coal energy replaced water and although it allowed factories to choose their location freely, but it also caused unlimited pollution. Today we are in an even deeper global crisis, and we be acceptant to the new technology presented to us, but also conscious of what we waste and what we do.
1. a) Which main topic does the artifact relate to:
This is obviously urbanization
b) Which other main topics does it also relate to:
The modern economy is mentioned as well as human migration, as it is a major element of urbanization.
2. Why did you choose this artifact, and how much time did you spend creating and/or processing it:
The information I put because I believed modern impacts cannot be discarded from discussion, and can certainly highlight certain parts of 19th century Britain.
3. What insights and understanding have you gained from the creation and/or processing of this artifact
It’s like chess, the more you touch and read the material, you develop a further understanding of the subject. You can go back and revise, keep writing, then go back because you had just had an epiphany of a great point and the process just repeats itself.
4. Does this artifact reflect your best work and/or ideas Why, or why not
It isn’t bad, though I could have done better.
5. Rate this artifact on a scale of -5 to 5(0 is neutral) for the following 4 criterion:
a) Impact on the quality of your Portfolio. 3
It’s standard quality, nothing special.
b) Impact on your level of happiness/enjoyment. 4
I like writing.
c) Impact on your learning. 5
Writing research essays are always a great way to learn things, since there is absolutely no limit.
d) Level of creativity and originality. 4
Most of it is statements and facts, less of original analysis. This can be done better in the future.
6. Any additional comments.
I wouldn’t read this for fun, although it is a similar experience to reading a newspaper—explaining history 200 years ago.
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