INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION PAGE 110

1) Departamental
2) Departamental
3) The industry sector allows the continuous advancement of the economy. This reflects
that currently 14% of the Gross Domestic Product comes from the industrial sector,
which means an employment production of approximately more than two million jobs
annually.

INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

1. What was the Industrial Revolution?

The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant social and economic change that
took place mainly in Europe and North America during the late 18th and early 19th
centuries. It was characterized by the widespread adoption of machinery and the
transition from manual production methods to machine-basen manufacturing.

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most goods and products were made by skilled
artisans or craftsmen using hand tools in small workshops. However, with the advent of
new tools, machines, and technologies, industries such as textiles, transportation, and
mining underwent rapid transformation and were able to produce goods on a much larger
scale.

The Industrial Revolution brought about significant improvements in efficiency and

productivity, but it also led to harsh working conditions and exploitation of workers,
especially in the early stages of industrialization. Nonetheless, its impact has been
profound, as it paved the way for modern industrialized societies and greatly expanded
the global economy.

2. How did the Industrial Revolution change the economy of European countries?

The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the economies of European

countries. Here are some ways it changed the economic landscape:

a) Industrialization and Urbanization: The revolution led to the widespread shift from
agrarian economies to industrial economies, as manufacturing and production
methods advanced. This resulted in the growth of cities and urban centers, as
people moved from rural areas to work in factories, creating a workforce
concentration.

b) Increased Production and Productivity: The use of new machinery, such as steam
engines and mechanized looms, vastly improved efficiency and productivity in
industries. This led to increased production of goods, allowing for economic
growth and the ability to meet the rising demands of expanding populations.
c) Expansion of Trade and Global Markets: The Industrial Revolution created a surge
in international trade. European countries rapidly developed large-scale
manufacturing capabilities, enabling them to produce goods for both domestic
consumption and export. This led to a global expansion of markets and the
establishment of colonial empires to source raw materials.

3. Which were the consequences of the Industrial Revolution towards the environment?

The Industrial Revolution had significant consequences for the environment. Here
are some key impacts:

a) Pollution: The rapid industrialization and increased use of fossil fuels led to
unprecedented levels of pollution. Factories emitted large amounts of smoke,
toxic chemicals, and pollutants into the air, water, and soil, causing severe
environmental degradation and health issues for both humans and wildlife.

b) Deforestation: The demand for raw materials, particularly timber for construction
and fuel, led to widespread deforestation. Forests were cleared at an alarming
rate to make way for industrial development, resulting in the loss of animal
habitats, reduced biodiversity, and soil erosion.

c) Resource Depletion: The Industrial Revolution's reliance on natural resources

such as coal, iron, and other minerals contributed to their rapid depletion. The
extensive mining and extraction activities depleted these resources, leading to
long-lasting environmental damage and the need to explore and exploit new
sources.

d) Climate Change: The large-scale burning of fossil fuels during the Industrial
Revolution significantly contributed to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions,
leading to climate change and global warming. The release of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere resulted in the alteration of weather
patterns, rising temperatures, and other environmental imbalances.

4. According to page 47 from the Geography textbook: which are the two areas which
suffer the worst environmental problems nowadays?

Currently, two major areas that suffer from severe environmental problems are:

a) Air Pollution: Many cities, particularly in developing countries, face significant

challenges with air pollution due to industrial activities, vehicular emissions, and
energy production. The resulting smog and high levels of particulate matter
contribute to poor air quality, respiratory diseases, and damage to the
environment.
 b) Deforestation: Forests, particularly in tropical regions, are rapidly disappearing
due to deforestation for agricultural expansion, logging, and urbanization. This
loss of vital habitat not only impacts biodiversity but also contributes to climate
change as forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. Deforestation also
leads to soil erosion, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and disruptions to
local water cycles.

References:

https://hidegar.com/es/que-importancia-tiene-en-nuestro-pais-el-sector-industrial/
#:~:text=El%20sector%20de%20la%20industria,de%20puestos%20de%20trabajo
%20anual.

https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/Industrial-Revolution

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/industrialization-labor-and-life/

https://www.britannica.com/money/topic/Industrial-Revolution

https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/big-history-project/acceleration/bhp-
acceleration/a/the-industrial-revolution

By: Bruno Arias, Santi Garcia, Carlo Herrera, Daniel Muñoz