Class 10 History

1. Before the Industrial Revolution

The term industrialisation refers to the development of industries and the transformation of production methods.

Before factories became common, many goods were produced by hand in homes and small workshops. This system is often called proto-industrialisation.

Proto-industrialisation

• Production took place before the rise of factories.
• Merchants supplied raw materials to rural households.
• Peasants produced goods along with agricultural work.
• Finished products were collected by merchants and sold in markets.

2. Why Did Merchants Move to the Countryside?

Urban guilds controlled production in many European towns. They restricted the entry of new producers and maintained control over quality and prices.

Merchants therefore turned towards the countryside where peasants could produce goods outside the restrictions of urban guilds.

3. The Coming of the Factory

Factories began to appear in Britain during the late eighteenth century. The factory system brought workers and machines together in a single place.

Why were factories important?

• Production became organised on a larger scale.
• Machines were concentrated in one place.
• Supervision of workers became easier.
• Production could be increased.

4. Hand Labour and Steam Power

Industrialisation did not immediately replace hand labour. Many industries continued to depend on skilled workers.

Why did industrialists prefer hand labour in some cases?

• Labour was relatively cheap.
• Machines were expensive.
• Some products required skilled and careful work.
• Demand for goods often changed according to fashion.

Steam Power

Steam power became important in industrial production, particularly in cotton and iron industries. The steam engine provided a new source of mechanical power.

5. James Watt and the Steam Engine

James Watt improved the steam engine developed earlier by Thomas Newcomen. His improvements made steam power more useful for industrial purposes.

6. Industrialisation in India

Before the arrival of modern factories, India was famous for its textile production. Indian cotton textiles had a strong reputation in international markets.

Indian Textiles

• Indian textiles were exported to many parts of the world.
• Fine cotton fabrics were in high demand.
• Weavers possessed specialised skills.
• Merchants organised production through networks of artisans.

7. The Decline of Indian Textiles

With the growth of British industrialisation, British manufacturers sought to expand their markets in India.

British machine-made textiles competed with Indian handmade products. Indian weavers faced falling demand and difficult economic conditions.

Effects on Weavers

• Loss of traditional markets.
• Lower prices for their products.
• Difficulty obtaining raw cotton.
• Increasing dependence on merchants.

8. The Age of Cotton

Cotton became one of the leading industries of the Industrial Revolution. The demand for cotton textiles expanded rapidly.

The development of spinning and weaving machines increased the scale and speed of production.

9. Life of Workers

Industrial workers often faced difficult working and living conditions. Employment could be uncertain and wages were often low.

• Long working hours.
• Low wages.
• Unsafe working conditions.
• Unemployment during economic downturns.
• Poor housing in industrial cities.

10. Indian Factory Workers

The growth of factories in India created new employment opportunities. Many workers migrated from villages to industrial centres.

Workers were recruited through jobbers and other intermediaries. Jobbers often helped employers recruit labour from rural areas.

11. Markets for Goods

Industrial production required large markets. Manufacturers used advertisements, labels, calendars and packaging to attract consumers.

Role of Advertisements

• Created demand for products.
• Built brand identities.
• Attracted new consumers.
• Connected products with ideas of quality and prestige.

12. Important Terms

13. Quick Revision Points

• Industrialisation changed methods of production.
• Proto-industrialisation existed before the factory system.
• Britain became an important centre of industrialisation.
• Cotton textiles were central to industrial growth.
• Steam power increased industrial production.
• Indian textile workers faced competition from British machine-made goods.
• Factories created new employment but workers often faced harsh conditions.
• Advertisements helped manufacturers expand markets.

⭐ Important Exam Questions

1. What is proto-industrialisation?
2. Why did merchants move production to the countryside?
3. Why did industrialists continue to use hand labour?
4. Explain the importance of steam power.
5. Why was Indian textile production famous?
6. Explain the impact of British machine-made goods on Indian weavers.
7. Describe the condition of industrial workers.
8. Explain the role of advertisements in creating markets.