Britain between 1750-1900

      There was now a massive change in work because in 1750 the most important industry was farming-food, wool and production. All industries were a small scale and manufacturing was done in people’s homes, or in workshops attached to their homes. Power to make machines work was provided by water wheels, by horse, or by human hands or feet. Steam power was used to pumped water from some mines. But in 1825 many people still worked in small workshops, but some industries were now based in factories, where the machines were driven by steam engines. The cotton industry was now bigger and more important than the wool industry. Since 1750 coal production had tripled, and iron production had increased by ten times. Farmers were growing more food than in 1750. Common grazing land or wasteland in many villages had successfully turned into land to grow crops. But in 1900, many farmers now used machine, although most the machines were horsed-powered. Industries were now dominated by coal, iron, steel and textiles. Steam power had been introduced into industries, even in small factories and workshops.

       As industries increased it was important to improve transport, by getting round the country in 1750 was a slow process. People and goods travelled by water if possible- either the coast or by rivers. Some rivers had been developed or straightened so boats could use them. The first canal completed was in 1776. As time went on {1825} there were now 20,000 miles of well surfaced turnpike roads. Many canals had been built. A network of waterways linked the most important industrial areas. In mining areas horse-drawn trams and wagons that ran on rails were used. The first steam railway was transporting coal and passengers from Stockton to Darlington. The journey from London to Edinburgh took three to five days by boat and 46 hours by road. In 1900 railways served all parts of Britain. They helped Britain feel more united. Many canal companies ands turnpike thrusts had now been driven out of business. The railways were now a faster way for both goods and passengers. Bicycles were a common sight and cars had been invented even though they were no allowed more than 14 miles per hour. The journey from London to Edinburgh now took 30 hours by road and 9 hours by train.

       The period also saw great changes in education. Having the railways and cars helped the young children of ages 5-12 have an education, because it was possible for them to go to school. Most children in {1825} England did not go to school at all and a few could read or write. In Scotland all parishes had schools and most people could read or write. There two university’s in England, four in Scotland and one in Ireland.  Newspapers, novels and plays were becoming popular. In 1825 most middle class and upper class boys went to school but not many girls went to school. Elementary school in England provided an education for the children of the poor if they wanted to attend. Many did not. There was a new interest in religion especially between the middle class and lower class. But in 1900 school was compulsory for all five to twelve years olds both boys and girls, many more people could read and write. There were now ten universities in England, five in Scotland, one in Ireland and one in Wales. Newspapers and book publishing was expanding.

       As the population became more educated people wanted a say on the way they were governed. In 1750 only a small five per cent of the population could vote in the elections in the houses of commons. But women were ruled out. Five per cent of the population could vote in the houses of common but women in 1825 still couldn’t vote. At a political meeting held in Manchester in 1819 to demand reform of parliament, troops killed eleven people. This event is known as the ‘Peterloo Masacre’. In 1900 most men could now vote but women still couldn’t vote. Parliament included many MPs from the growing industrial towns and fewer from the country areas. The government in London and local authorities now played a large part in everyone’s life. They had improved living and working conditions.

       There has been an amazing change throughout the world from 1750-1900. Not all has changed for the better in some cases, e.g. when work was easier to get in the city’s people began to go and live there. Which meant that the city became crowded and infection spread faster. Not everything changed at the same pace e.g. Railways were introduced in 1825 and only five per cent of the population could vote until 1900, when most men could vote but throughout all the years {1750-1900} women still couldn’t vote.           

                          By Harriet Seaton