Industrial Revolution: A Historical Perspective
The enduring mystery of why the Industrial Revolution began in England rather than India, despite India being a major producer of cotton, is explored. The common explanation is that India's low labor costs disincentivized the invention of spinning and weaving machines.
Understanding the Industrial Revolution
The term "Industrial Revolution" was popularized by English economic historian Arnold Toynbee in 1882. It described the transformation in England from home-based production to factory-based production, driven by machinery.
- Toynbee characterized it as a profound, rapid, and disruptive change, likening it to a political revolution.
- It involved a fundamental restructuring of the economy and society.
Economic Impacts and British Policy
British cotton manufacturers used machines to economically outpace Indian cloth imports. However, the British government also implemented protective measures:
- In 1700, import duties on Indian cloth ranged from 15% to 75%.
- A 1720 law banned Indian cotton imports and imposed fines for wearing or selling such cloth.
These policies, along with protests and violence, were part of a broader strategy to establish British dominance.
Dependency on American Cotton
A key factor was Britain's reliance on cheap, mass-produced cotton from the American South, harvested by enslaved Africans, giving British manufacturers a competitive edge.
Rethinking Technological Revolutions
The narrative of the Industrial Revolution is challenged, suggesting it may mask colonial exploitation. The use of terms like "technology-driven growth" can obscure the socio-economic forces at play.
Evolution of Industrial Revolutions
- First Industrial Revolution: Introduction of steam-powered machines.
- Second Industrial Revolution: Introduction of electricity and mass production.
- Third Industrial Revolution: Digital revolution with computers and the internet.
- Fourth Industrial Revolution: AI and robotics.
- Emergence of a Fifth Industrial Revolution.
Mahatma Gandhi's Perspective
Mahatma Gandhi criticized the emphasis on labor-saving machinery, advocating for technology that benefits all, not just a select few. He called for the equitable distribution of wealth and technology.
The author concludes with a call to examine the societal impact of technological advancements, reflecting on historical lessons and Gandhi's insights.