Technological Revolution

Definition

A technological revolution refers to a period of rapid technological advancement that fundamentally alters industries, economies, and societies. This concept is particularly relevant during the Second Industrial Revolution, where significant innovations in technology and engineering transformed production processes, transportation, and communication.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Industrial Revolution took place roughly between 1870 and 1914 and was characterized by innovations in steel production, electricity, and chemical processes.
2. Key inventions during this period included the telephone, the internal combustion engine, and advancements in electricity that led to widespread use of electric lighting.
3. The introduction of assembly line production drastically increased efficiency and lowered costs in manufacturing, allowing for the mass production of consumer goods.
4. Transportation evolved with the expansion of railroads and the advent of automobiles, dramatically changing how goods and people moved across regions.
5. The technological revolution also contributed to urbanization, as people flocked to cities for jobs in new industries, leading to significant social changes.

Review Questions

• How did the technological revolution during the Second Industrial Revolution impact the workforce and labor practices?
  • The technological revolution greatly transformed the workforce by shifting labor practices from artisanal methods to factory-based mass production. Workers increasingly operated machinery rather than creating goods by hand, leading to a demand for unskilled laborers. This shift contributed to changes in labor conditions, as workers faced longer hours and less job security but also benefited from new employment opportunities in rapidly growing industries.
• Discuss the role of electrification as a key component of the technological revolution during this period.
  • Electrification was a cornerstone of the technological revolution, fundamentally changing industrial practices and everyday life. It enabled factories to operate machinery more efficiently and reliably compared to steam power. Electric lighting improved workplace conditions and extended productive hours into the night, contributing to urban development. This transformation allowed for innovations such as electric trams and subways, reshaping cities and enhancing connectivity.
• Evaluate how the technological revolution influenced global trade patterns during the Second Industrial Revolution.
  • The technological revolution significantly reshaped global trade patterns by increasing production capabilities and improving transportation infrastructure. Innovations like steamships and railroads facilitated faster and cheaper movement of goods across long distances. This connectivity not only allowed for a wider distribution of products but also opened new markets for industrialized nations. The interplay between industrialized countries and those rich in raw materials laid the groundwork for modern globalization, influencing economic dynamics that persist today.

Related terms

Industrialization: The process of transforming economies from agrarian to industrial, marked by the growth of factories and mass production.

Electrification: The process of powering by electricity, which played a crucial role in enhancing production capabilities and transforming daily life during the Second Industrial Revolution.

Mass Production: The manufacture of goods in large quantities using standardized processes and assembly lines, significantly influenced by technological advancements.