Finished Essay!

I was tempbanned so I could write this. Tell me what you think:)

Here's the question: Explain why the industrial revolution began in England and not China. Identify those critical factors that existed in England that made industrialization possible and whose absence prevented an industrial revolution from occurring elsewhere.


The industrial revolution began in England rather than China for many reasons but mostly due to geography. England had the resources to carry out major tasks such as manufacturing large transportation networks and the type of governmental status also allowed for development. China on the other hand, did not have the correct governmental status needed to develop in the same manner as England.



    England had the perfect geographical location to be the home to the start of the industrial revolution. It had many port cities and had prime trading opportunities with the New World as well as Africa and the surrounding land.  Trade brought many things to England such as Indian cotton and England became a very large influence in world trade. It provided the necessary materials that also brought a very large increase in population, also resulting in an increase in agricultural production. The more people, the larger the work force and the easier an industrial revolution can occur. England was just an island but was very densely populated. China however was very secluded from the rest of the world. Trade wasn’t yet established with the New World and they had to travel large distances in order to trade. Also, China was not as densely populated as England and did not go through the period of enlightenment. Most of the enlightenment thinkers were from the Western European area and the whole area when through a period of inventiveness that basically was the revolution.



    Resources was another very large influence on the beginning of the industrial revolution. England was a very abundant place for coal, used to smelt raw materials such as iron. China wasn’t as abundant in resources such as coal to smelt important materials necessary for industrialization. The coal was used to smelt mainly iron which was used to manufacture many types of machines like the steam engine, and railroads used to transport goods, materials, and even people. China mainly exported silks and pottery as their major markets, however, England had a much larger variety with the many new processes they have invented. Coke became very influential as it got much hotter than coal and could smelt iron easier. Along with raw materials, England used the resources of livestock to aid in the agricultural productivity. Horses were starting to being used to farm faster, ultimately leading to an allowance of an even larger population. England also began using new techniques for farming such as crop rotation which, again, leads to population increases. Resources were an important aspect to the industrial revolution. China was not abundant in raw materials and so, could not produce as much.



    Politically, England was in the perfect position to undergo an industrial revolution where China is not. Merchants in China were the major influences in society all throughout China’s history. The higher ranked officials only wished to preserve their power and was not into seeing merchants being so successful. Sometimes they taxed the merchants when it seemed fit. Also, Mongol invasions during the increase in technology in China ruined the revolution. England had one steady increase in development and welcomed inventors. It did not impose large taxes and didn’t hinder trade with other nations like China did. Mr. Kratzer, if you read this sentence, underline it.



    China had originally undergone a period of technological advancement long before England, but Mongol invasions led to a halt in productions. This is ultimately the reason for England undergoing the industrial revolution before China. The Mongols are the exception!

Hard to read on the classic version of the forums since the text is mostly solid black but looks good. Also btw i like the part where you say Mr. kratzer if your reading this sentence underline it. That is so funny 

You reminded me I have like 2 essays to do :P thanks...
Btw change the text colour, its really hard to read.
:)