Explain why industrialisation caused urbanisation.
Level
AS LEVEL
Year Examined
2021
Topic
The Industrial Revolution in Britain, 1750–1850
👑Complete Model Essay
Explain why industrialisation caused urbanisation.
Industrialisation as a Catalyst for Urbanisation
The Industrial Revolution, a period of unprecedented technological advancement and economic transformation, witnessed a profound shift in population distribution, marked by a dramatic surge in urbanisation. This essay will argue that industrialisation served as the primary catalyst for this urban growth, driven by factors such as agricultural advancements, labour demands, and transportation innovations.
Agricultural Revolution and Labour Surplus
The advent of new farming methods, including mechanisation and crop rotation, led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity. This reduced the need for agricultural labour, displacing rural populations and creating a surplus workforce available for industrial employment. For instance, the invention of the seed drill by Jethro Tull in the 18th century greatly improved planting efficiency, contributing to increased yields and reduced labour requirements. This surplus labour migrated to urban centres in search of new opportunities in factories and industries.
Factory System and Labour Demand
The rise of the factory system created an insatiable demand for labour, attracting rural populations to urban areas. Factories offered employment opportunities for entire families, with men, women, and children often working long hours in mills and mines. The textile industry, for example, witnessed a surge in employment opportunities with the invention of machines like the spinning jenny and the power loom. This concentration of labour in urban centres fuelled rapid urban growth.
Transportation Revolution and Urban Connectivity
Transportation innovations played a crucial role in facilitating urbanisation. The development of canals, improved roads, and later, railways, enabled the efficient movement of raw materials, finished goods, and people. The expansion of the railway network in Britain, for example, connected industrial centres like Manchester and Birmingham to ports like Liverpool, fostering trade and urban growth. This enhanced connectivity further accelerated the process of urbanisation.
Emergence of New Urban Centres
The transportation revolution also contributed to the emergence of entirely new urban centres. Railway junctions and port cities experienced rapid growth, driven by the need for services and infrastructure. Crewe, for instance, emerged as a major railway hub, while Swindon developed as a railway engineering centre. These new urban centres further contributed to the shift in population from rural to urban areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, industrialisation acted as the primary catalyst for urbanisation during the Industrial Revolution. The combined effects of agricultural advancements, increased labour demands, transportation innovations, and the emergence of new urban centres led to a mass migration from rural areas to urban centres. This period marked a profound shift in population distribution, shaping the social, economic, and physical landscapes of industrialising nations.
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**References:**
Berg, M. (2007). The age of manufactures, 1700-1820: Industry, innovation and work in Britain. Routledge.
Mokyr, J. (1990). The lever of riches: Technological creativity and economic progress. Oxford University Press.
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Introduction
Briefly define industrialisation and urbanisation.
Thesis statement: This essay will argue that industrialisation was a primary driver of urbanisation due to its transformative impact on agriculture, labor markets, transportation, and trade.
Transformation of Agriculture
Mechanization and increased agricultural productivity.
Displacement of rural populations and migration to urban areas seeking work.
Demand for Labour in Industrial Centers
Emergence of factories and mass production methods.
Creation of new job opportunities attracting rural workers and families.
Revolution in Transportation
Development of railways, canals, and improved roads.
Facilitation of movement of people and goods to urban centers.
Emergence of new urban centers around transportation hubs (e.g., Crewe, Swindon).
Growth of Trade and Port Cities
Increased industrial production leading to expansion of trade networks.
Growth of port cities as centers of import/export and further urban development.
Conclusion
Reinforce the argument that industrialisation was a key driver of urbanisation.
Briefly discuss any counter-arguments or nuances in the relationship.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Explanation on why industrialisation caused urbanisation:
- Subsistence farming of the rural economy was ended by the use of new farming methods (for example, mechanisation). This made the feeding of a large urban population possible.
- Changing methods of production created a huge demand for labour where whole families could be employed.
- Transport changes meant that people and goods could be moved with growing ease to urban centres.
- Transport changes, such as railway development, led to the creation of new urban centres needed to service them (for example, Crewe and Swindon).
- Ports grew because the increase in production resulted in a growth of trade.
These factors all contributed to the shift from rural areas to urban areas as industrialisation progressed.