Dan Snow's History Hit How Did the Industrial Revolution Change the World?
Oct 16, 2025
Duncan Weldon, an economist and journalist, dives into the transformative power of the Industrial Revolution. He explores why it ignited in Britain, emphasizing unique geographical and institutional advantages. The discussion covers the shift from Malthusian stagnation to modern growth, the rise of factories, and the impact of urbanization on society. Weldon highlights the intertwined roles of innovation and empire in driving change, while also touching on environmental consequences and the optimistic view of future productivity gains driven by technology.
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Before And After: Productivity Changed Everything
- The Industrial Revolution split human history into before and after by initiating sustained productivity growth.
- It enabled rising incomes, urbanisation, longer lives, and modern economic growth.
Productivity As The Engine Of Change
- The core change was rising productivity: more output from the same inputs via machines and energy sources like steam.
- This shift began late 18th century and produced sustained, compounding economic growth.
The Little Divergence Before The Revolution
- A 'little divergence' moved Europe's economic centre from the Mediterranean to the North Sea by 1600s.
- Institutions in England and the Dutch Republic created more open commercial orders supportive of growth.
