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Period: to
The Industrial Revolution
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John Lombe's Water-Powered Silk Mill
Lombe's mill was the first successful silk throwing mill in England. He was inspired to build his mill after visiting Piedmont in 1717. He returned with information about the Italian silk throwing machines and Italian craftsmen. The mill was located on the bank of the River Derwent in Derby. Image Source: empedia.info -
James Watt Improves Engine
James Watt sudied the Newcomen steam engine and wished to improve it. While studing the engine's boiler, Watt proved that 'latent heat' did exist. He used this discovery to greatly improve the engine by making it able to boiler more water faster. Image Source: archivingindustry.com -
Water Frame Invented by Richard Arkwright
Richard Arkwright's water frame, or spinning frame, was able to produce stronger threads for yarn. His first models were powered by waterwheels, hence the name 'water frame.' This was the first machine that could spin cotton threads. It was also the first automated and continuous textile machine. Image Source: inventors.about.com -
Loom Invented by Edmund Cartwright
Edmund Cartwright first patented his power loom in 1785. That same year he opened a spinning and weaving factory in Doncaster. The loom made it much easier to weave and spin threads. His other inventions include a machine for making rope and a steam engine that uses alchohol instead of water. Image Source: cleo.net.uk -
Luddite Movement Begins
The movement was named after Ned Ludd. The Luddites were opposed to industrialization and the rise of factories. They were angered by the new technologies and believed the old ways were better. Luddites also destroyed many factories during the Movement. Image Source:oxford-royale.co.uk -
Cotton Mills and Factories Act Passes
This act stated that no children under 9 could be employed. It also stated that children between 9 and 16 were limited to 16 hours work per day. Image Source:scran.ac.uk -
Labor of Children Act Passes
This act was an attempt to establish a regular working day. It stated that children 14 to 18 cannot work longer than 12 hours a day with an hour long lunch break. Children 9 to 13 cannot work longer than 8 hours a day with an hour long lunch break and they must have atleast 2 hours of education per day. Children under 18 cannot work at night. This act also provided the routine inspections of factories. Image Source:blogs.babycenter.com -
Cotton Workers and Colliers Go On Strike
The General Strike of 1842 invloved up to half a million workers. The workers demanded shorter hours and better pay. Image Source: collectiveresistance.com -
Factory act of 1847
The Factory Act of 1847 was also known as the Ten Hours Act. It restricted the working hours of women and children in Britain to ten hours. Imag Source: thearchitectureofearlychildhood.com -
Factory Act of 1891
This factory act made the requirements for fencing machinery more stringent. It also changed the minimum age of which a child can work to 11. Image Source: canadaandtheworld.com
