Question map
Consider the following statements concerning the initial phase of the Industrial Revolution in England : 1. England was fortunate in that coal and iron ore were plentifully available to be used in industry. 2. Until the eighteenth century, there was a scarcity of usable iron. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
The initial phase of the Industrial Revolution in England was significantly bolstered by the abundant availability of essential raw materials. Statement 1 is correct as England possessed plentiful deposits of coal and iron ore, which were the staple materials for mechanization and industrial development [1]. Statement 2 is also correct because, until the 18th century, there was a scarcity of usable iron due to the limitations of the smelting process. Traditionally, iron extraction required large quantities of charcoal derived from firewood, which led to the depletion of timber sources by 1700 [2]. The breakthrough occurred in 1709 when Abraham Darby discovered that coke (derived from coal) could be used for smelting, thereby overcoming the scarcity of usable iron and revolutionizing the metallurgical industry [2]. The proximity of coal and iron fields further facilitated this industrial growth.
Sources
- [1] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: The Age of Revolutions > Causes of Industrial Revolution in England > p. 167
- [2] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 11: The Age of Revolutions > Spinning Jenny > p. 168