Read carefully David Christian's article on the Industrial Revolution of c. 1750-1900 and how it marked another threshold in human history. Then answer the following questions:
1. Look at Table 13.1 on p. 407, giving details of industrial output between 1750 and 1980. In your opinion, what was the most significant or outstanding development or change in the century between 1800 and 1900? Then, what do you think was the most outstanding change that occurred between 1900 and 1980?
2. Then, look at Table 13.3 on p. 412, which gives changes in National Product (i.e. the value of all goods and services produced) and in National Product per Head (i.e. the average value of goods and services produced -- and consumed -- by each individual) for Britain between 1700 and 1831. Between 1700 and 1760, the average growth rate for National Product was 0.69% per year; at that rate, the economy would double in size within 100 years. In the same period, the average growth rate in National Product per Head was 0.31% per year, implying a doubling of output person within 223 years. In your view, what does this suggest about the nature of industrial productivity in the early 1700s.
Then compare the figures for 1700-1760 with those for 1801-1831, by which time the Industrial Revolution has had its initial impact. In your view, what has changed? On the basis of Christian's article, what factors might account for this change?
3. Finally, the Industrial Revolution was possible only because of the intensive exploitation of a non-renewable source of energy i.e. coal. In your opinion, on the basis of this fact should we view the Industrial Revolution of 1750-1900 as a major threshold in human history, or as a short-term exception to the Malthusian Cycle?