Past Present Future The History of Revolutionary Ideas: The Industrial Revolution
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Feb 20, 2025 In this engaging discussion, economic historian Alexis Litvine explores the lasting impact of the Industrial Revolution. He reveals how it reshaped our ideas of progress, time, and nature. Alexis highlights the interplay between technological advances and social change in 18th century England. He also delves into the dynamics of production versus consumption, illustrating how consumer demand sparked innovations. The conversation raises thought-provoking questions about the cost of progress and the modern parallels with today’s digital revolution.
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Industrial Revolution as a Revolution of Ideas
- The Industrial Revolution, like the digital revolution, significantly changed how humans think about the world.
- This revolution in things and manufacturing altered human thought processes and their relationship with the world.
Fragmented Experience of the Revolution
- People didn't initially perceive the Industrial Revolution as a singular event.
- Experiences of the revolution were fragmented and varied across time and space.
Impact of Mechanization
- The mechanization of spinning led to significant job losses for women in East Anglia.
- This drastically impacted household incomes and reshaped England's economic geography.
