TELEVISION
About
The Great Courses partners with the Smithsonian to examine the extraordinary events and uncover the far-reaching impact of this incredible era. In 36 fascinating episodes, Professor Allitt introduces you to the inventors, businessmen, and workers responsible for transforming our lives and fueling one of the greatest periods of innovation in human history.
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Episodes
1. Industrialization Is Good for You
32m
Step into the story of one of the greatest periods in history. Although there is much to dislike about industrialization (including the loss of traditional ways of life, increased economic inequality, and environmental problems) we should nevertheless be grateful for the Industrial Revolution. Investigate why in this opening episode.
2. Why Was Britain First?
28m
Start at the beginning in the British Isles, where relative political stability, sophisticated financial institutions, colonial trade, a rising population of workers, and a class of scientists, thinkers, and entrepreneurs willing to experiment with innovation all contributed to the birth of the Industrial Revolution.
3. The Agricultural Revolution
32m
In Britain in the 18th century, new agricultural methods came into being, freeing up thousands of workers to move into manufacturing work. Take a look at some of these changes to agriculture, including different uses of the land, the introduction of new crops, and the early mechanization of farming, all of which increased productivity.
4. Cities and Manufacturing Traditions
32m
Traverse the country to see where industry took off, starting with a detailed look at the advantages and dangers of life in London. Then, shift your attention to provincial cities and towns, where industrialists had to combat the guild system of labor, alcohol in the workplace, and workers who preferred the older, slower pace of life.
5. The Royal Shipyards
31m
Explore the world of 18th-century shipyards, where the large-scale organization of work, materials, logistics, and complex construction would provide a blueprint for later factory-era industrialization. Find out how ships were made and what challenges shipbuilders faced, including fires, rot and decay, and logistical infrastructure.
6. The Textile Industry
30m
Turn from the conditions that made the Industrial Revolution possible to the actual process of industrialization that began in the textile business. After surveying the work of spinning and weaving textiles, you learn about several key inventors and their innovations, including the flying shuttle, the spinning jenny, and the cotton gin.
7. Coal Mining
31m
Rising demand for coal and improvements in mining technology transformed coal mining into a large-scale capitalist enterprise. Dive into one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, see what problems miners had to overcome, and examine some of the solutions. Learn about steam engines, safety lamps, ventilation, and more.
8. Iron - Coking and Puddling
27m
Along with coal, iron was one of the most important raw materials for the Industrial Revolution. After reviewing the history of iron, you study how to produce pig iron and forge wrought iron. Then, you meet many of the key innovators who improved the process of bringing higher-quality iron into a growing market.
9. Wedgwood and the Pottery Business
32m
Meet Josiah Wedgwood, whose pottery is among the most famous in the world. Thanks to his innovations in pottery-making technique and his division and "de-skilling" of labor in his factories, he turned his family's cottage industry into an immense, lucrative manufacturing phenomenon.
10. Building Britain's Canals
32m
Transportation became critically important as new industries emerged. Find out how canal builders connected major cities by water, which greatly enhanced the country's internal communications and allowed for the transportation of goods over long distances at relatively low cost. Look at the methods of building a canal and several key routes.
Extended Details
- SeriesIndustrial Revolution
- Closed CaptionsEnglish