Professor Brophy
History 102

Industrial Revolution Discussion Section

How does Adam Smith’s  “invisible hand” operate for the benefit of society?  On what basis does Smith distribute the cost of maintaining government?

How does Andrew Ure employ Adam Smith’s concepts in his argument for the factory system?  What sort of language does Ure use to describe human-powered work vs. machine-powered work?  How do  Ure’s The Philosophy of Manufactures and the Rules of a Factory in Berlin offer differing viewpoints of factory work?

What set of conclusions does Malthus draw from his argument about demography and food supply?

What is St. Simon’s criticism of laissez-faire?  Who is hurt by unregulated production?  Who ought to be considered in determining economic policy?  How would Adam Smith respond to St. Simon? 

Using Friedrich Engels’ account of Manchester as evidence, what observations would you make about early industrialization? How does one weigh Ure against Engels?

For Robert Owen, what ‘machine’ should receive the manufacturers’ primary attention?  What is Owen using as an inducement to improve the workers’ lives?  What improvements does Owen think need to be made?

What the grievances does the author of the Captain Swing pamphlet develop against English society and economy?  How are these grievances connected to industrialization?

The Industrial Revolution produced a series of challenges—social, economic, governmental—to society.  In what ways do the writers of today’s assigned readings address these challenges?  What solutions do the various writers propose?