Agricultural Revolution
Factors Contributing to Agricultural Revolution in Europe
The agricultural revolution was influenced by several factors. One of the key factors was the invention of new methods of farming. The extent of civilization in Northern Europe introduced the practice of crop rotation system. This system was fit in line with the climate of the Mediterranean region which was characterized with hot, dry summers and cooler- wetter winters (Kishlansky et al., 2008).
Thus, growing a particular crop on a piece of land overtime was seen as depletion of soil fertility. The introduction of crop rotation enabled agricultural production year round. The second factor was the invention of new farming equipment’s.
According to Ross (2008), the invention of farming equipment such as; the heavy plow simplified farming because; the tool could the plow deeper and in wet, heavy soils than the conventional light scrape plow. This farming implement had three distinctive parts; it had a cutter that facilitated cutting soil vertically. Also, the mold-board was used, to turn the soil, and the plowshare made it easier to penetrate the soil horizontally.
The last factor which encouraged agricultural revolutions was the invention of new source power, the plow horse. The horse could cultivate more land compared to a human being (Kishlansky et al., 2008). Consequently, the horse could transport food to far most towns; thus; perishable goods would reach the market without getting damaged.
How Agricultural Revolution Changed European Society
The agricultural revolution had far-reaching consequences in European society. One of the impacts was that the new inventions and discoveries introduced simplified agricultural activities and lessened human power in agricultural fields. Besides, the new inventions such as crop rotations increased food output such as the clover and turnips (Kishlansky et al., 2008).
It also brought about new thinking for European farmers and more emphasis was concentrated from low- yielding crops to crops which could generate more hence more profits.
Industrial Revolution
Factors Contributing to the Industrial Revolution
One of the factors contributing to the industrial revolution in Europe was the invention of machines to simplify human labor. Devices could work faster thereby increasing output than what human labor would have done. Secondly, the invention of a new source of power such as; coal, the steam engine to turn powerful machines in factories and generate the electricity needed in production encouraged the growth of industrial revolution (Kishlansky et al., 2008).
Lastly, the establishment of the factory system of production influenced the mass production of goods available for the growing population and export.
Working Conditions during the Industrial Revolution
The industrial revolution brought about many changes in individual life. According to Kishlansky, et al. (2008) the working day was hectic. An individual had to work for more than 12 hours without rest for six days. Consequently, the pay was low and relentless, ruthless harassment of workers was the nature of the day. Moreover, women and children were recruited as unskilled laborers to form part of the working population.
According to Ross (2008), they worked under harsh conditions such as poorly ventilated rooms. This often led to diseases and accidents as a result of unsafe factory machines. However, the industrial revolution cultivated the idea of specialization which consequently increased new inventions and factory production (Ross, 2008). Western Social Change between 1815 and 1914
Western Social Change between 1815-1914
Romanticism
Romanticism during the 1815 -1914 changed drastically. It incorporated impression, spontaneity, and emotion as key elements of understanding a person experience. Consequently, it abandoned the established standards; hence; it incorporated new elements such as sculpture work, music, and painting to reinforce the message (Ross, 2008).
The role of women
The role of women also changed during this period. The more feminist movement began to spring up thus challenges the existing tradition (Ross, 2008). Hence privileges such as the right to vote for women were adopted by most European nations. Women stressed the importance of their children’s hence; the family reduced significantly as the parents reduced their spending to care for their children.
Science
During the industrial revolution, science was more enhanced although the rational activities endeavored to explicate its credibility to society. The significance of art and scholar’s community surged and thus grasped the expanding markets for their products. During this time, the European cultural practices had been anchored on conventional of rationalism, and the enduring progress in science sustained the practice (Ross, 2008).
Famous scientists such as Einstein progressed with the concepts of physical relativity, Freud, on the other hand, sustained more discoveries of the mechanism of human unconsciousness whereas, Darwin expounded on his theory of evolution.
Anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism increased during this period as a result of increasing nationalism. The rulers who in place suppressed the minorities thus instigating the need for population tied on their nationality to return “home.” Jews and Gypsies were the majority of the victims (Ross, 2008).
The fact that most of the minority did not have a “home country” indicated that they were unwelcome visitors wherever they went. Hence, the Jews, Gypsies, and other minority groups were racially alienated in most European territories making it challenging to receive welfare benefits from the governments. Western Political Change between 1815 and 1870
Western Political Change between 1815 and 1870
Liberalism
The liberalism flourished in Western Europe during this time because of expanded territories and new alternatives to gain recognition among states. It emphasized minimal state meddling in private life and urged representation of the population in government decision making. It also stressed on the standing of legitimate rule and the role of parliament.
According to Ross (2008), the liberal concept was divided into two broad categories. The first category was the economic liberal, initiated by Adam Smith and the second was the political liberalism. However, the critics of these two concepts became linked to class interests. Hence, this created new challenges emanating from the radical and conservative opponents during the 19th century.
Conservatism
Conservatives during this period were strict on sustaining the purity of mainstream political establishments such as the Monarchies. This was aimed at maintaining the balance of influence in Europe to promote enduring peace. However, they were led by selfish interests such as economic and social reasons. The conservatism did not allow freedom of the press, and whenever political opposition was evident on their way, it was brutally suppressed (Ross, 2008).
The Alliance System
The system of the alliance was divided into two major groups. The UK, France, and Russia formed the Triple Entente whereas Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary formed the Triple Alliance. The most important piece of these alliances was that both were anchored on unstable partners. Austria- Hungary was affected by national, cultural challenges, i.e., the Balkan (Ross, 2008).
The Balkans states had attained their autonomy from the Ottomans during the nineteenth century, but resentment still prevailed between them. Moreover, challenges still existed in terms of nationalism and assassination of an Austrian archduke. These situations later ensued to the First World War I.
The Communist Manifesto
Communist Manifesto was a concept developed by Karl Marx. It was considered as a guideline for communism followers during this time. It was aimed at replacing the ultimate hopes and desires of the population with an inhuman, combative scheme to strengthen the socialist’s working class.
Consequently, the Communist Manifesto contributed to the high rate of unemployment, fear, hunger, and depression because, it only addressed the needs of the working class (Kishlansky et al., 2008). The founding principle of Communist Manifesto was prompted by the French revolution, thus; Karl Marx believed that bourgeois had significantly gained success in the revolution hence; the system could be applied in other territories to achieve the same results.
The Realpolitik
The culture of Realpolitik took a different turn. Establishment of new unifications was common. This was important because the liberal movements which in 1848 did not result in the change most states needed; thus, powerful politicians came up with strategies to succeed weak states. Unification occurred in Germany, Italy, and the United States after the civil war (Kishlansky et al., 2008).
Consequently, the rise of changing values and strength of new ideas were hatched. The politics of homemaking shaped the domestic stratum as a result of social movements in European society. Realism in arts was rejuvenated with the development of photography to depict actual happening around the world.
Reference List
Kishlansky, M., Geary, P. & O’Brien, P. (2008). Civilization in the West, New York: Longman Pearson Education, Inc.
Ross, E. (2008). The Industrial Revolution, London: Evans Brothers