Question

Write a one-sentence summary of how the textile industry in Great Britain changed throughout the 1700s.

Answer 1

Because there were limited sources of power, industrial development during the early 1700s was initially slow. Textile mills, heavy machinery and the pumping of coal mines all depended heavily on old technologies of power: waterwheels, windmills and horsepower were usually the only sources available.  Changes in steam technology, however, began to change the situation. As early as 1712 Thomas Newcomen first unveiled his steam-driven piston engine, which allowed the more efficient pumping of deep mines. Steam engines improved rapidly as the century advanced, and were put to greater and greater use. More efficient and powerful engines were employed in coalmines, textile mills and dozens of other heavy industries. On the other hand, spinning of cotton into threads for weaving into cloth had traditionally taken place in the homes of textile workers.