History Notes Chapter 7 Science and Technology Class 9 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – History Class 9
1. Introduction

• The Industrial Revolution was a period of great change in production methods.
• It replaced handmade goods with machine-made goods.
• This led to the growth of industries, cities, and new inventions.
• It began in England in the late 18th century and later spread to other countries.
• The use of steam power, coal, and iron helped industries grow rapidly.

2. Causes of the Industrial Revolution

a) Availability of Natural Resources

• Coal and iron were easily available in England.
• Coal was used as fuel for machines, and iron was used for making tools and buildings.

b) Scientific and Technological Advancements

• New machines made production faster and easier.
• James Watt’s steam engine improved factory work.

c) Growth of Population

• More people meant higher demand for goods.
• Many farmers moved to cities for work, leading to urbanization.

d) Development of Banking and Trade

• Banks gave loans to businessmen to start factories.
• England traded with many countries, increasing industrial growth.

e) Stable Government

• The British government supported industries with good laws and policies.

3. Important Inventions and their Impact

4. Changes in Different Sectors

a) Textile Industry

• First industry to change during the Industrial Revolution.
• Machines like spinning jenny and power loom increased cloth production.
• Factories replaced home-based handloom weaving.

b) Transport and Communication

• Railways and steamships helped in quick transport of goods and people.
• Roads, canals, and bridges were built for better trade.
• Telegraph improved long-distance communication.

c) Agriculture

• Machines like seed drill and threshers improved farming.
• More food was produced, which increased the population.
• Fewer farmers were needed, so many moved to cities for jobs.

5. Social and Economic Effects of the Industrial Revolution

a) Positive Effects

✔ More production of goods – Machines made goods faster and cheaper.

✔ Development of cities – Many people moved to cities for jobs.

✔ New job opportunities – Factories provided employment to workers.

✔ Growth of banking and trade – More industries increased business activities.

b) Negative Effects

❌ Poor working conditions – Factory workers worked long hours in unsafe conditions.

❌ Child labor – Many children were forced to work in factories for low wages.

❌ Pollution – Increased smoke from factories polluted air and water.

❌ Gap between rich and poor – Factory owners became rich, but workers remained poor.

6. Impact of the Industrial Revolution on the World

• The Industrial Revolution spread from England to Europe, America, and Asia.
• European countries colonized weaker nations to get raw materials.
• The world became more connected through trade and transport.
• It inspired scientific advancements, leading to modern technology.

7. Reforms and Improvements

• Governments started passing labor laws to protect workers.
• Factory Acts were introduced to improve working conditions.
• Education for children became more important, reducing child labor.
• Trade unions were formed to demand better wages and rights for workers.