Industrial Revolutions:
Industrial Revolution and Social and Political Change in Europe, 1800-1914
WHII.5 Identify the causes of the Industrial Revolution. (H, E)
A. the rise in agricultural productivity
B. transportation improvements such as canals and railroads
C. the influence of the ideas of Adam Smith
D. new sources of energy such as coal and technological innovations such as the steam engine
WHII.6 Summarize the social and economic impact of the Industrial Revolution. (H, E)
A. the vast increases in productivity and wealth
B. population and urban growth
C. the growth of a middle class
D. problems caused by urbanization and harsh working conditions
WHII.7 Describe the rise of unions and socialism, including the ideas and influence of Robert Owen and Karl Marx. (H, E)
Industrial Revolution and Social and Political Change in Europe, 1800-1914
WHII.5 Identify the causes of the Industrial Revolution. (H, E)
A. the rise in agricultural productivity
B. transportation improvements such as canals and railroads
D. new sources of energy such as coal and technological innovations such as the steam engine
WHII.6 Summarize the social and economic impact of the Industrial Revolution. (H, E)
A. the vast increases in productivity and wealth
B. population and urban growth
C. the growth of a middle class
D. problems caused by urbanization and harsh working conditions / Enduring Understandings:
Students will understand that:
  • A nation’s geography, resources, and system of government affect its ability to be economically successful
  • The Industrial Revolution had far reaching effects on the global economy, social relations and culture.
  • Industrialization has both positive and negative effects.
/ Essential Questions
  • Why are some nations more successful than others?
  • Who wins and who loses in a capitalist society? Why?
  • Does new technology bring people together or does it isolate them?

Content Understandings
Students will know:
  • Due to Great Britain’s location, resources, and stable government it was able to industrialize and become a world power
  • The Industrial Revolution had many effects on the development of a nation including:
  • Development of a new class system
  • New opportunities for women
  • Urbanization
  • Development of leisure culture
  • Imperialism
  • Nationalism
  • The huge division of wealth created by industrialization led to the development of new economic theories (Capitalism v. Communism).
/ Skills
  • Map skills to identify key factors in industrialization
  • Analyze political cartoons
  • Compare and contrast capitalism and communism