TRANSITION FROM FEUDALISM TO AGRARIAN REVOLUTION.
Feudalism is a term delivered from the latin word “feudum”
meaning fief or an estate of land held on behalf of a lord and in return the
holder of the land offered military service and other services to the lord.http://www.dictionary.com/browse/feudalism
Thus, a feudal society is the one in which the basic social
and political structure are determined by a practice of fief holding. In other
words, feudalism is based on holding of land for renting.
A feudal mode of production, therefore, was based on lord’s
ownership of the land as well as incomplete or partial ownership of the
peasants and serfs living on the land. The dependent serfs farmed and ran small
economies on the land belonging to the feudal lords. Moreover, the relationship
between the land lord and his tenants (serfs) was not only an economic one but
also social one. The tenant was a vassal of the lord, that is her or she was
bound to the lord by special oath of loyalty.
Photo is just for show
The basic features of feudalism
i. There was bounded relationship between the lords and
tenants. The lord normally exercised right of jurisdiction in the land which he
held as a fief. The landlord was a governor of the fief.
ii. There was antagonistic classes of lords and the serfs. The
function was mainly due to exploitative tendencies of the lords. The lords
exploited the serfs.
iii. Under feudalism the two dominant classes were feudal
lords and tenants. Tenants were attached to the soils for the production of
substance as well as surplus. The surplus was consumed mainly by the landlords.
iv. Production was for subsistence i.e. serfs producers
mainly for food and less for exchange.
v. Feudalism in Europe went hand with the building of
armies. The armies and other willing class –kings and nobles supported
themselves from the produce of their estates. Serfs were the producer in the
lords or willing class estates.
vi. In feudalism the feudal activities were basically
agrarian (for food production) although few industries existed, many people
were attached to the soil, that is cultivating the soil to earn a living.
AGRARIAN REVOLUTION IN BRITIAN.
Agrarian revolution refers to the rapid changes which
occurred in agriculture sector. The changes were accompanied by the application
of science and technology. In Britain, agriculture revolution happened between
the 16th Century and 18th Century.
Before the agrarian revolution in Britain, agricultural
production was very low. The low productions of agricultural produce were party
caused by the land tenure. Land was divided, owned and worked by serfs or
peasants. Most of the land was also left fallow ie the large part of the land
was not under farming. In addition to low production in agricultural the
majority of population in pre-agranal revolution. britian engaged themselves in
agriculture. It is estimated that eight percent of Britian’s population were
working on the land. Generally, there was low production in agricultural sector
before the agrarian revolution. However, there was an increment in agricultural
production because changes which constituted agranian revolution.
This is the drastic change in agricultural production
through better technique, methods and land tenure. It started in 1450 -1750 but
reached maturity in 1801. Agranian revolution started in Netherland-Holland and
later English.
Causes of Agrarian revolution
The changes in agricultural production were caused mainly by
two factors:
i. The first cause was the rapid increase of population. The
large population necessitated the changes in the methods on producing crops and
animals so as to cope with the high demand of force from the populate.
The population of Europe as a world and Britian in
particular was steadily increasing between 15th and 18th centuries, For example
the population of Europe rose from sixty –nine million people to 188million
people between 15th and 18th centuries. This increase of population mainly
happened in the cities and towns.
ii. The second factor was high demand of wool. The high
demand of wool led to sheep commercial farming. The commercial sheep farming in
the 16th century due to the demand of wool clothes.
Changes that took place during Agrarian revolution
The agrarian revolution in Britian entailed the following
changes
Crop rotation. Unlike the pre-agranian revolution times,
farmers of sixteenth and seventeenth centuries Britian started to practice crop rotation.
They rotated cereal crops with legumes and fodder crops. Legumes crop-peas,
beans and clovers-restored nitrogen in the soil. Nitrogen makes soil fertile. One
example of farmer who in 1730 grew fodder crops in rotation with other crops
was lord Town shed. The second change was the introduction of new crops in
Britian crops such as maize, sweat potatoes and fodder crops were introduced in
England from the Americans. The introduction fodder crops led to the constant
supply of meat throughout the year because the presence of fodder crops made it
possible to make bay for use during writer. This was sharp departure from the
pre-agrarian revolution error when all the cattle and other animals were
slaughtered during writer for lack of feed. The use of improved farm
instrument. Examples of instruments which were used included iron plough and
Jethro Tull’s seed drill. Extensive use of time to neutralize soil acidity. In
addition to liming, farmers applied fertilizers in their farms.
Land reclamation. In order to get more arable land big
farmers embarked on draining swam ply land, for example: King Charles I of
England financed a Dutch expert- Cornelius Vermigden-to drain Yorkshire and
Cambridge shire. Irrigation also practiced during the agricultural revolution.
Another aspect of the agrarian revolution was the improvement in animal
breeding. Better horses, cattle and sheep were raised. It was during the
agrarian revolution that farmerskept animals for multipurpose. For example, a
farmer in Leicester called Bake well produced a large quantities of beef and
mutton to feed millions of people. The agrarian revolution involved the
evection of serfs and peasants from the land for pasture i.e. Enclosure of the
land.
HOW AGRARIAN REVOLUTION LED TO THE CAPITALISM IN EUROPE
The agrarian revolution had a number of contributions to the
rise capitalism in Europe.
Increase of supply of food to the growing population in
cities including workers in the factories. The agrarian revolution especially
the enclosing of land released to the growing workers in the The agrarian
revolution especially the enclosing of land released or supplied cheap labours
to industries. Many serfs and peasants who were evicted from the land for
commercial sheep farming (enclosure) were employed in factories in towns and
cities. The agricultural changes also provided market to the industrial
manufactured items. In other words, agricultural entrepreneur bought industrial
goods needed in agricultural sector. The change in agriculture supplied raw
material needed in industries. One important raw material the agrarian
revolution provided to textile industries was wool. Farmers kept sheep
commercially for selling wool-wool come from sheep-to industries. In industries
the farmers accumulated capital which they invested in industries and trade.
The agricultural revolution also marked the end of small scale or peasant
production. The peasant production was replaced by the capitalist farmers.
ENCLOSURE SYSTEM
This means consolidation of scattered enable land and common
land into a simple compact area of land that is fenced.
DIFFERENT PROCESS OF ENCLOUSURE SYSTEM
I. Enclosure of common land. This was the enclosure of waste
land, the process of enclosure of waste land and common land was carried out in
16th and 17th centuries. Sometimes it was an agreement between villages.
II. Enclosure of landlords between 1475 –1570. This was the
period when there was an increase of wool demand due to the expansion of wool.
III. Enclosure of land into strips. This was done by
purchasing land from the farmers or owners.
Impacts of the introduction of the Enclosure System in
Britain
i. Freeing of labours from land. Labours were free to sell
their labour under their own discretions.
ii. Migration of people.
iii. Peasants were deprived of the right to own land (common
land)
iv. Labours were turned to commodities.
v. Rise of unemployment due to emergence of landless people
vi. Made capitalist to own both rural and urban economy
(industries and agriculture)
vii. Led to the rise of proletariats.
RISE OF MERCHANTILISM
MERCHANTILISM
It refers to large scale trade or commercial trade conducted
through overseas.
Mercantilism: Is the first stage of capitalism that appeared
during 15th C where by trade and commerce was conducted by European countries
with the continent of Africa, Asia and America through overseas trade and also
silver (precious metal) were used as the coin. Is the period during which
feudalism collapsed (demised) as the result of long distance trade conducted
between Western Europe countries and other continents in the 15th C.
OR
Is the first stage of capitalism where by its economic
system was based on trade and commerce conducted through over seas trade during
15th C-18th C and during this trade a country attracted itself to the use of
precious metals (gold and silver) in European transaction.
THE MAIN FEATURES/CHARACTERISTICS OF MERCHANTILISM
1. National Unification
Is the unifying of small states to form one strong state for
expansion of internal market, removal of trade barriers and the use of raw
materials and other sources available in the same nation. Therefore during the
period of mercantilism many European countries were undergoing national
unification so as to become one strong state and be in position to compete with
other nations. E.g. England,Wales and Scotland joined to form United Kingdom
(Great Britain).
2. Bullionism
During this period there was adaptation and application of
gold and silver as the medium of exchange because gold and silver were used as
coins in European transaction; hence European merchants struggled more and more
to get gold and silver from different parts of the world like Zimbabwe,
Ghana.etc.
3. Protectionism
During mercantilism European countries protected trade
where by each country protected her internal market and natural resources
available in a country. This was done in order to protect the interest of trade
by not allowing other European countries to compete with them. E.g. United
Kingdom protected internal market by acting navigation acts and impose trade
barriers such as custom duties and tariff.
4. National rivalry and militarism.
During the period, mercantilism in many European countries
intensified their enemy among themselves which brought constant military
confrontation. E.g. Britain fought many wars with French, Spain with Portugal
for economic interests. Example Britain decided to undergo navy forces during
the rule of Tudor monarchy in order to piracy the wealth of other European
merchants for development of capitalism in Britain.
5. Colonialism
During this period many European countries began to look for
other economic interests in other countries in different parts of the world.
The Aim was to colonize countries for economic interests such as raw materials,
labour, market and areas for investments. Example The Dutch at the cape of
South Africa 1652 where they wanted to control and unite South Africa, Spanish
and Portugal wanted to control Australia and Canada.
6. Banking sector/financial institutions
These financial institutions provided loans and credit to
the European merchants in order to continue conducting overseas trade and
development of science and technology especially marine technology, ship
building, compass direction, compass bearing, etc. These institutions were
Barclays bank and house of Lloyd s.
FACTORS/FORCES/CAUSES OF THE RISE OF MERCHANTALISM
There were various factors that led to the rise of
mercantilism they are as follows;
1. Internal trade (inter trade and craft). The Development
of guilds and craftsmen during the period of collapse of European feudalism led
to the rise of mercantilism because commodities produced by craftsmen and
people who were involved in guilds which accelerated the internal trade example
ornaments, plates, mirrors, were later on exported to other parts of the world
particularly in Africa, hence the rise of mercantilism.
2. Periodic exhibition among European nations. This promoted
the existence of overseas trade among European countries, Africa, Asia and
America because the new commodities which were exhibited and new technology
acted as the acceleration of mercantilism because merchants and other people
of different parts of the world were interested to use the commodities that
were exhibited.
3. The development of marine technology with compass
direction and compass bearing.
During the fifteenth century, Europe witnessed rapid changes in
scientific curiosity and inquiry. That was a century in which the scientific
revolution took firm roots. Meanwhile marine technology among the European
nations enabled the merchants to sail even deep sea. The nations and merchants
also constructed large ships which could carry bulky materials such as cotton,
tobacco and minerals. Merchants benefited greatly from the marine technology as
they could sail to various parts of the world.
4. Development of financial institutions and insurance
company. These provided loans; credit and services to European merchants in
order to continue involving in trading activities; so the role played by these
institutions accumulated more wealth which they used on investment of economic
sector hence the rise of mercantilism.
5. The Rise of strong states and political revolution; this
provided security among merchants. Example; British after the revolution which
removed King Charles I & II from power gave rise of Tudor monarchy. Example
The rise of King Henry the navigator facilitated the rise of mercantilism like
loans and credit and in France after king Louis was removed from power, French
managed to get involved in merchant trade.
6. The role played by enclosure system; This was brought by
agrarian revolution, it played a great and important role towards the
development of mercantilism because the large scale plantations were
established and increase an output of agricultural industrial raw materials
like wool, wheat flour, and these agricultural raw materials increased
manufactured goods in industries which were needed by European merchants for
their own use.
7. Geographical discovery of the new world by Christopher
Columbus on 24.10, 1492; led to establishment of plantation and mines in
America, Canada, Peru, Colombia, etc.So the establishment of these needed slave
labour from Africa after the failure of the red Indians and expressiveness of
European criminals and prisoners, hence this led to the establishment of
mercantilism because Europeans were in need of raw materials.
8. Profitability of unequal exchange; during this period
European got more wealth by using illegal ways like piracy, kidnapping etc. but
also they used to sell in Africa commodities of low value and things which were
unsellable in Europe, things such as mirror, while they obtained things of high
value from African continent like Ivory. So this led to the rise and
development of mercantilism.
9. Crusade war; this was a religious war between European
(Christians) vs. Arabs (Muslims) in the Middle East near Turkey to control
trade and capture the whole city. This made the way to become insecure for
European traders but also Arabs controlled the trade routes whereby they
increased tariffs to European traders. This forced Europeans to the alternative
way to reach India (Asia) and Africa for conducting trade. Hence development and
the rise of mercantilism.
IMPACTS OF MERCHANTALISM IN EUROPE AND AFRICA
Western Europe and Africa had a relationship which ensured
the transfer of wealth from Africa to Europe. According to W.Rodney on his book
“How Europe under-developed Africa” 1972 argued that; over that period Africa
helped to develop Western Europe and at the same time Europe under-developed
Africa. Trade helped Europe to get numerous developments also the North America
benefited from this merciantilism while Africa did not benefit.
IMPACTS OF MERCHANTALISM IN EUROPE
1. Gold and silver accumulated during this period played a
very important role in expanding capitalist capital in the economy of Western
Europe because it was gold and silver that determined the value of capitalist
to develop in terms of money.
2. These trades speed up the European technological
development. Example the Trade helped the Europeans in the development of ship
building from the 15 th C-19 th C where by sea going vessels of different sizes
were designed for slave trade and carrying raw materials from America to Europe
and later carry commodities to other parts of the world where markets were
available.
3. Mercantilism led to the rise of Sea ports town like
Liverpool, Bristol, etc. in these sea ports towns there was a development of
manufacturing centers like Ian Cashing which depended on the growth of the port
of river.
4. Speed up the development of industrial sector; industries
such as textile industries, flour milling, ship industry etc. With development
of industries in Europe, it helped European countries to develop as far as
capitalism was concerned.
5. The Capital derived from mercantilism helped to a great
deal to strengthen transitional links within Western European economy. Example
sugar from Caribbean islands was exported from England to France and other
parts of the European continent.
6. Mercantilism continued to be source for capital
accumulation by European merchants whereby the capital was to be invested in
investments such as banks, industries, transport and communication for European
development hence capital accumulation was possible due to much exploitation of
African resources during mercantilism.
IMPACTS OF MERCHANTALISM IN AFRICA Africa at large extent
was in a negative during this oversea trade because the trade made Africa to be
underdeveloped and stagnant all the time, hence the following are the impacts:-
1. Mercantilism led to the rise and fall of some African
states. These states grew strong during Trans- Saharan trade like Songhai, Mali,
Ghana, Benin but they collapsed because its wealth was destroyed after the
establishment of triangular slave trade, but some other states grew strongly
after the establishment of mercantilism because its wealth depended on this
trade. Example; Dahomey state.
2. Mercantilism led to the rise of state of fear and
insecurity among Africans especially in West Africa This was because during
mercantilism African leaders were helping the European merchants to capture
their fellow Africans and sell to the Europeans, these people were taken as
slaves and shipped to the mines and plantations in America. Also the
introduction of guns brought political instability among Africans who were
fighting among themselves for European interests.
3. Mercantilism led the destruction of African trade which
was established among Africans for their own interests by mercantilism.
Example, Long Distance Trade conducted from one region to another region,
Trans-Saharan trade which was conducted between West Africa and North Africa.
This was due to European merchants who changed the outlook of the trade from
not benefiting Africans to benefiting Europeans.
4. Mercantilism led to introduction of unequal exchange
which was unequal trade whereby during the trade between Africa and European
merchants; Europeans benefited due to the value of commodities and raw
materials taken from Africa like rhinoceros horns, tortoise shell, coconut oil,
ivory, slaves while in exchange Europeans brought to Africa things which were
used and could not be sold in Europe. Things such as daggers, empty bottles,
ornament, cigarettes, Portuguese wine.etc.
5. Mercantilism led to stagnation of African science and
technology especially African local industries and productive forces but also
the action of taking Africans as slaves killed science and technology.
6. Mercantilism led to the decline of African agricultural
production because in most cases Africans were in state of fear and insecurity
and political instability, hence they could not settle together to involve in
agricultural production, in Africa led to famine and hunger.
7. Mercantilism led to introduction of slave trade which
led to depopulation of African continent because many African young men and
energetic were taken as a slaves to offer their labour power in mines and
plantations in America.
8. Mercantilism led to the destruction of African culture
because during this period Europeans introduced their culture like eating
style, dancing style, marriage etc. which all of them meant to kill African
culture because Africans ignored their own culture and started to follow
European culture.
CONTRIBUTION OF MERCANTALISM TO THE RISE OF CAPITALISM IN
EUROPE
1. Mercantilism led to the accumulation of capital among
Europeans. This led to investment and re-investment in economic sectors like
banks, industry, transport and communication hence the capital obtained in
mercantilism Led to the rise of industrial capitalism.
2. Mercantilism led to the development of financial
institutions and insurance companies. These institutions facilitated the
development of capitalism especially industrial capitalism because they
provided loans, credit and services to the Europeans merchants to continue
involved in overseas trade, hence development of capitalism.
3. Mercantilism led to the development of towns, cities,
and sea port towns notably Manchester, Leads, Liverpool, Lisbon, Paris, etc.
because in these towns there was development of trade and manufacturing center
which developed to industrial cities which attracted many of European
population to live in those towns and a lot of town requirement were available
in those towns. Example water, electricity, good houses.etc.
4. Mercantilism led to advancement and development of
science and technology. Example the sea going science and technology like ship
building, compass bearing, compass direction, etc. This was because during
mercantilism, ships of different size were designed specifically for carrying
slaves from Africa to America and used for carrying raw materials from America
to Europe and later commodities were taken from Europe to other parts of the
world especially Africa where market was available.
5. Mercantilism led to availability of cheap labour in
European plantation, mine, and industries. African slaves were taken in a large
quantity during this period to America to offer their labor power in
plantations established in Canada, USA, etc. but others offered their labor
power in European mines established in Peru, Colombia all these led to the
development and growth of industries in Europe.
6. Mercantilism led to availability of raw materials which
were needed to develop European countries because these raw materials which
were produced in the new world like cotton, sugar cane, tobacco, sisal etc. was
transported to Europe to be manufactured as commodities and later these
commodities were sold in other parts of the world especially in Africa for
European development.
7. Mercantilism led to availability of markets both
internal and external market for absorbing European industrial goods. During
mercantilism European goods were sold in Europe and Africa where markets were
available for economic interests of European merchants. Example: European goods
which were not purchased in Europe got markets in Africa and Latin America for
development of capitalism in Europe.
8. Mercantilism led to Agrarian revolution during the sixteenth
Century where by European merchants started to invest in agricultural sector by using
wealth obtained during this oversea trade, especially unequal exchange. The
European traders got a lot of wealth by using unequal exchange and started to
invest in agricultural sector for more production of raw materials like wheat
for making breads and wool for making woolen clothes.
9. Mercantilism led to the emergence of strong military
states in order to defend and protect the wealth of nations, merchants and
their boundaries e.g. UK during the Tudor monarchy especially the rule of King
Henry VIII led Britain to undergo navy forces in order to increase the wealth
of Britain after piracy and killing other European merchants who passed near
Britain boundary.
10. Mercantilism led to the rise of European nationalism;
where by small European nations united together to increase and expand the
market for their nations, removed trade barriers among the nations joint,
protected merchants and used the resources available among the small nations
unified. E.g. UK (Wales, England, Scotland) to form United Kingdom.
CONDITIONS WHICH FORCED MERCHANTS TO CAPTURE SLAVES FROM
AFRICA TO AMERICA AND CARRIBEANS
1. Mercantilism
This was an economic system which involved in conducting
trade overseas searching for gold and silver. Mercantilism led to the rise of
Trans-Atlantic slave trade which was a trading activity which involved Africa,
America and Europe. During this trade millions of Africans were shipped to
America to provide cheap labour in mines and plantations.
2. Booming capitalist agriculture.
During mercantilism European capitalist established
different plantations of coffee, tea, sugar cane, cotton and tobacco which
called for massive supply of cheap labours, thus the supply of white labour was
getting difficult compared to the expanding needs of the plantations, therefore
this called for importation of slaves from Africa.
3. Industrial revolution in Europe.
Due to the industrial revolution, there was need to expand
home markets thus the merchants and the ruling class in Europe were afraid of
under population, this prompted the campaign against the use of white labourers.
The crisis called for massive importation of slaves from Africa to provide
cheap labour in mines and plantations.
4. Africans slaves were cheap.
It’s on record that money paid on white labour for ten years
could procure on African slaves for life. In addition a white worker was
expected to acquire land at the end of the contract while on African slaves was
prevented by law from owning land. These conditions necessitated the use of
African origin in the new world.
5. Discovery of maritime technology.
This acted as a pushing factor for Africans to be taken as
slaves. Maritime technology eased transportation and guided the merchants to
locate Africa. Thus be in position to transport people of African origin to the
new world.
6. Inability of the indigenous people.
Initially the Europeans were using Native Americans, Red
Indians to provide cheap labour power on the plantations and mining centers but
later the red Indians died in huge numbers due to plague. This called for
importation of African slaves which contributed to the existence of people of
African origin in the new world.
7. Discovery of the new world.
The Discovery of the new world by Christopher Columbus in
1492 contributed to the existence of people of African origin in the new world.
The discovery led to the establishment of plantations and mining centers that
demanded for cheap labours which called for importation of African slaves.
THE ABOLITION OF THE TRANS ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE
The Trans Atlantic slave trade refers to that type of trade
that involve three continents America, Africa and Europe.
In this trading system, Africa was the source of cheap
labour in the form of slaves, America was the source of raw materials and
Europe was the source of manufactured goods.
The main participants were Britain, France, Holland and
Portugal. The British were the ones who benefited so much from this trade since
the seventeenth Century, took the lead in the abolition of slave trade in the first half of
the nineteenth Century. the British took various steps to abolish slave trade consequently
in 1807, Britain passed a bill making slave trade illegal in all her colonies
and in 1833; a law was passed that called for the emancipation of all slaves in
the British empire.
There are various forces that compelled the British to
abolish the Trans Atlantic slave trade. These factors included the following;
A Economic reasons
These were the main factors that forced the British to
abolish the Trans Atlantic slave trade, they included;
1) Capitalist production
Capitalist production involves two classes of societies,
which are the capitalists who control the major means of production and the
workers who are employed by the capitalists. For the workers to be effectively
employed, they must be free and not slaves.
2) Need for markets
Due to the industrial revolution, there was increased
production of industrial products in Europe that lacked enough demand; this
forced the British to abolish slave trade so that markets can be created in
Africa for their manufactured goods.
3) Need for raw materials
Due to the industrial revolution, there was increased demand
for raw materials in Britain. The existing raw materials were limited to supply
due to the mushrooming of industries. This situation necessitated the abolition
of the Trans Atlantic slave trade so that Africans can produce the needed raw
materials.
4) The use of machines
The industrial revolution was characterized by the use of
machines in the production process, these machines replaced human labour. The
owners of the machines campaigned for the abolition of the Trans Atlantic slave
trade because slave labour had become redundant.
5) French and British competition over sugar production.
For so long period, the British had a monopoly on sugar in
the European market. The sugar was produced by slave labour in the British West
Indies. The British was selling their sugar at very high prices thus making
huge profits. However by the end of the eighteenth Century, the French West Indies and re
union islands were producing sugar in large quantities and selling at a cheaper
price thus making more profits than the British. This situation made slave
labour in British West Indies useless thus forcing the British to abolish the
Trans Atlantic slave trade.
SOCIAL REASONS THAT LED TO THE ABOLITION OF TRANS-ATLANTIC
SLAVE TRADE.
B Religious reasons
The religious bodies contributed to the abolition of the
Trans Atlantic slave trade in Africa. They argued that slave trade was against
the will of God because he had created all people equal but slave trade was
treating Africans as an inferior class. The Christians denounced slave trade in
the name of God and argued that it must be abolished.
C French revolution of 1789
The French revolution of 1789 had a role to play in the
abolition of the Trans Atlantic slave trade. The slogan of the revolution was
fraternity, liberty and equality. Philosophers such as Rousseau campaigned for
the abolition of slave trade. These philosophers claimed that slave trade was
against the ideals of the French revolution thus it had to be stopped.
D Humanitarian movements
The humanitarians such as Granville sharp and Thomas
Clarkson played a certain role in the abolition of the Trans Atlantic slave
trade. These people argued that slave trade had caused a lot of suffering to
the people thus it had to be abolished. These efforts were followed by British
declarations of 1807 and 1833 which abolished slave trade and slavery.
Effects of the abolition of the Trans Atlantic slave trade
a Foundation of sierra Leone and Liberia.
These areas were established by the Europeans powers as
settlements for the freed slaves. They received freed slaves from America. It
should be noted that the Trans Atlantic slave trade uprooted millions of
Africans who were supposed to offer labour in America.
b Introduction of legitimate trade.
There was introduction of legitimate trade that involved the
buying and selling of natural resources, Example palm oil and cocoa. The
colonial powers introduced legitimate trade so that it can facilitate the
acquisition of raw materials and markets which were crucial in Europe after the
industrial revolution.
c Exploitation of hinterland.
Before the abolition of the Trans Atlantic slave trade, the
colonial powers operated along the coast of West Africa searching for slaves,
but after the abolition of slave trade they penetrated the interior searching
for raw materials and market where they can sell their manufactured goods.
d Increased spread of Christianity.
The European powers increased the spread of Christianity
after the abolition of slave trade. Christianity was a way of compensating for
the ills committed by slave trade. This religion was also spread to counter the
spread of Islam in West Africa.
e Increased provision of social services.
The colonial powers increased the provision of social
services especially education. The main aim of colonial education was to train
Africans to become better producers of raw materials that were needed in
Europe. Colonial education was also supposed to change the mentality of
Africans to prefer European goods thus created a ready market for them.
f Improvement of the agricultural sector.
The colonial powers improved the agricultural sector by
introducing better methods of farming to increase the production of raw
materials. It should be noted that the colonialists discouraged the production
of food crops in Africa.
g Linguistic studies.
The colonial powers studied native languages so that they
can be able to translate the Bible into local languages. This move was to
convert many Africans to Christianity. The languages that were studied by the
imperialist were Hausa and Fulani.
TRANSITION FROM COTTAGE SYSTEM TO FACTORY SYSTEM
CAPITALISM Refers to the class mode of production consisting
of the capitalists who own the major means of production and the workers or
proletarians that are deprived of the means of production in order to get
profit. Feudalism did not collapse at once; the decline was a gradual process
which was caused by various factors.
Factors that contributed rise of factory system (industrial
capitalism)
1. Growth of population.
There was a rapid increase in population especially in
Britain at the end of the 15 th C; this increase was caused by better medical
facilities and early marriages. In 1485 AD, Britain had three million people.
This increase in production contributed to the rise of capitalism by providing
a ready market for manufactured goods and cheap labor in industries.
Also increased population facilitated cheap labor in
industries, leaving rural areas hence decline of feudalism and rise of capitalism.
2. Growth of towns.
The Growth of towns for example Manchester and Liverpool
contributed to the rise of industrial capitalism. These towns attracted many
people who undertook trade and commerce which contributed to the demise of
feudalism.
3. Agrarian revolution.
The improvement of agriculture contributed significantly to
the collapse of feudalism. The changes in agriculture for example crop rotation
and the use of machines led to increase in production. The Increase in
production led to acquisition of wealth which was used to finance the
industrial revolution hence rise of capitalism.
4. Political revolutions.
Political revolutions e.g. the English revolution of 1640
and the French revolution of 1789 contributed to the rise of capitalism. These
revolutions destroyed feudalism and put the major means of production in the
hands of capitalists hence leading to the rise of capitalism.
5. Commercial revolution.
Refers to fundamental changes which were characterized by
the development of international trade and the rise of merchant class. Through
international trade, European countries especially Britain acquired a lot of
capital which was used to finance the industrial revolution, thus the rise of
capitalism.
6. Monetization of the economy.
The Introduction of money as a medium of exchange played a
great role in the rise of capitalism in Europe. Money formed the basis of
capitalism by financing the industrial revolution, thus the rise of capitalism.
7. The Hundred year war.
The war was fought between the British and the French,
during the course of the war British plundered French towns and enriched
themselves. This was a form of primitive accumulation of capital which
contributed significantly to the rise of capitalism.
8. Scientific and technological revolutions.
The Scientific revolution refers to major technological
changes that took place in Europe and paved the way for the rise of capitalism.
The Revolution led to the expansion of commodity production which led to the
development of internal trade that contributed to the industrial development
thus the rise of capitalism.
THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION IN BRITAIN (1750s –1850s).
This
can be defined as the sum total of radical or fundamental changes in various
sectors of the economy especially industry, transport, banking and technology.
During this period new machines for mass production were invented; large scale
industries replaced cottage industries.
Why Britain was the first country to industrialize in Europe
The industrial revolution begun in Britain on a large scale
for the first time, later spread to other countries such as France, Germany,
Spain and Belgium. During this period Britain was referred to as the “workshop
of the world”.
The causes of the industrial revolution are classified into
internal and external factors;
Internal Factors
a Growth of the internal market.
This was caused by the rapid growth in population during the
eighteenth century. There was about 10.5M people in 1801 and 20 M people in 1851.
This growth of population was due to better health care and sanitation. The
increase in population provided ready markets for industrial products thus
contributing to the industrial revolution.
b Improvement of the transport systems.
There was improvement in the transport system through the
construction of roads, railways and canals. The good transport system supported
the industrial revolution by providing cheap and reliable transport.
c Non governmental interference.
The British government pursued the laissez faire policy (no
government intervention) whereby the government allowed the economy to operate
fairly and freely with few controls. The absence of government interference
encouraged investors to increase production thus contributing to the industrial
revolution.
d Peace and stability.
The monarchy which controlled Britain provided a stable and
predictable government. This monarchy has maintained peace and stability which
are conducive for industrial activities.
e Free trade system.
Britain had the largest free trade unity in Europe
completely unhampered by the local tariffs system. Almost each part of Britain
produced something and traded with others. The absence of internal tariffs
encouraged industrial activities thus leading to industrial revolution.
f Geographical advantage.
Britain had an added advantage in natural resources which
stimulated industrial revolution. There was existence of coal and iron in
plenty, coal mining was important in coastal shipping and provision of cheap
fuel and later rail road construction. The existence of these two natural
resources generated more technological innovations that enabled Britain to
undergo the industrial revolution.
g Technological advantages
Britain was the first country to undergo technological
advancement in various aspects. There were various discoveries that took place
in Britain which facilitated the industrial revolution. In 1776, James Watt
discovered the steam engine and in 1775 Miller Cromb discovered the water
frame. These discoveries contributed to the scientific revolution and finally
the industrial revolution.
External Factors
a International links
The paramount cause of the industrial revolution was the
Trans Atlantic slave trade. British companies traded with all countries in
Europe but most important was trade with Asia and North America. The most
profitable business acquired huge profits which were used to build many
industries.
b Existence of many colonies.
Britain had so many colonies in Africa, America and Asia.
These colonies provided raw materials and ready markets for industrial products,
therefore contributing to the industrial revolution.
The industrial revolution led to drastic economic and social
changes in the lives of the British people. It replaced agriculture as the main
source of wealth and was responsible for the scramble for the control of the
rest of the world.
Effects of industrial revolution in Europe
a Development of industrial towns.
The industrial revolution contributed to the development of
industrial towns such as Lancashire, Birmingham and derby shire in Britain.
Development of these towns was due to the industries which were established
near the markets and source of raw materials that attracted a number of people
to settle in those areas thus leading to the development of towns.
b Environmental degradation
The industrial revolution contributed to environmental
pollution in Europe. It led to chemical contamination in water bodies and air
pollution. The destruction of the environment also contributed to the eruption
of diseases which led to loss of lives.
c Development of free trade policy.
The industrial revolution contributed to the development of
free trade in Europe. Free trade is an economic policy that allows free
transfer of goods without economic barriers or tariffs. This policy was
influenced by the production of large quantities of industrial goods that
required overseas markets.
d Rise of proletariat/ working classes
The industrial revolution contributed to the development of
working class in Europe. Members of the working class did not posses anything
except their labor. They sold their labor to the owners of the industries who
in turn paid those low wages and were forced to work under poor conditions.
Their exploitation led to the formation of various movements such as Luddism
and Chartism.
e Introduction of democracy
It contributed to the collapse of absolute monarchies that
had existed in Europe during the feudal period. In France there was the bourbon
monarchy where all French kings right from Louis XIV were despotic. The
monarchy in Britain was also despotic, the kings believed in the “divine right
of the king” whereby the king was not answering to any man except God. The
industrial revolution replaced absolute monarchies with parliamentary system.
f Economic hardship
It was characterized with so many economic hardships. The
workers were paid very low wages which were not enough to satisfy ordinary
human beings. To supplement their meager pay; many fathers were forced to send
their children into factories at the age of five. The workers were forced to
work for 14 hours a day.
g Development of slums
The industrial revolution contributed to the development of
slums in Europe with the growth of population in the 18 th C. The older towns
became more and more over crowded. More and more big families crowded into each
house. Slums were very common in towns such as absence of proper sanitation and
increased crime.
Why Britain was referred to as the workshop of the world.
Between 1750s and 1870s Britain was referred to as the
workshop of the world by other European countries because all the commodities
of the world were being produced in Britain, during the period of Victoria, the
entire world depended on high quality products from Britain.
There are various reasons to why Britain was called the
workshop of the world, these included the following;
a. First to undergo the industrial revolution.
Britain was the first country to undergo the industrial
revolution in 1750 AD and then it spread to other countries such as German and
France. The British people regarded themselves as the source of world
civilization and their country was a model to other countries.
b. Source of technology and innovation.
Britain was the source of technology in the world. Most of
the inventions in technology took place in Britain e.g. the steam engine that
was discovered in 1776 by James Watt and the maritime technology that started
in Britain. It was Britain that set the pace for the industrialization of other
countries.
c. Largest colonial empire.
Britain had the largest colonial empire in the world. It
controlled at least a quarter of the world’s population. It had colonies in
Asia, America and Africa. These colonies provided a ready market for British
manufactured goods and raw materials that contributed to the industrial
revolution.
d. Huge economy
Britain had the largest economy between 1750 AD and 1870 AD;
its economy was worth 540 million pounds the largest in Europe and it was
followed by France which had 250 million pounds. The possession of the largest
economy explains why it was called the workshop of the world.
e. Leading exporter of industrial goods.
Britain was the leading exporter of the industrial products
by that time and she monopolized the export of high quality industrial goods,
this enabled her to control the world market and obtain higher profits this
situation made Britain to be referred to as the workshop of the world.
f. Stable government
The monarchy in Britain provided a stable and predictable
government in the country. Peace and security provided a conducive atmosphere
for massive investment thus enabling Britain to have the largest economy in the
whole world.
g. Geographical advantage.
Britain had an added advantage in natural resources which
