The Industrial Revolution
An Internet Web Quest on Industrial Revolution
Based on web quest by Mr. Moloutiu - West Johnson High school
Introduction
The Industrial Revolution, which began in England in the 1700's, spread to the
United States and continental Europe in the 19th century. In these areas the
technological developments that originated in England were improved upon, and
new innovations emerged.
In order for industrialization to proceed; energy, raw materials, and a large labor
force were needed. Industrial nations met these demands in different ways. In this
Web Quest, you will explore the methods industrialized nations used to obtain new
materials, harness energy, and employ laborers.
The Quest
From the information available on the Internet, you will use the internet sources to
learn about the Industrial Revolution.
The Process and Resources
In this Web Quest you will gather data to complete the Task. You will explore
Webpages from people all over the world who care about the Industrial
Revolution. Because these are real Webpages we're tapping into, not things made
just for schools, the reading level might challenge you. Feel free to use the online
Webster dictionary.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who? what? where?
when? why? and how? Be creative in exploring the information so that you answer these
questions as fully and insightfully as you can.
Britain
Use the Internet information linked below to answer the above questions in relation
to Britain:
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Britain 1700-1900: Industrial Revolution - This web site is organized by
topic.
Railways in the 19th Century - British web site organized by people, cities,
companies, etc.
The Plight of Women's Work. . . in England and Wales - Discusses life of
women workers in early industrial revolution. Pictures, documents.
Victorian Manchester - Some pictures; lots of info about the city.
Cotton Timeline - Great web site; click on flag to see picture and discover
fact about each important date in history of cotton in England.
The United States
Use the Internet information linked below to answer the above questions in relation to
The United States:
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The United States in the Industrial Age - Site about Lowell mills, early textile
industry.
Working Conditions at the Westinghouse Works - Description of factory; pictures
General web sites (more than one country)
The information linked below will help you regardless of what country or countries you
chose for this Web Quest.
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Age of Industry - General, comprehensive site about all aspects of the era in
many countries.
Industrial Revolution Timeline - Important dates.
Images of the Industrial Era - Great web site with many black-and-white and
color illustrations. Useful for visual presentation of conditions during the time.
Spinning Wheel Animation - Shows how an important machine which was used
in the textile industry worked.
Tables: Spread of Industrialization - Statistics for several countries.
Child Labor - Web site with many links about child labor and the people involved
with this issue.
Textile Industry - Many links regarding industry.
Phase 2 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus
When you have finished your research, filled out your tables, and answered your questions.
Discuss your findings amongst yourselves.
After you share thoughts with your group members, we will have a short discussion about your
findings as a class.
Phase 3 - Real World Feedback
Write a short essay that compares life during the industrial revolution with life today. Then think
about the role of industry and commerce in current society. What is similar about today's world
to the world two hundred years ago? What is different? Finally, what is the legacy of the
Industrial Revolution?
Please type or print the essay, double-spaced. There is not a length requirement, but you
should answer all of the above questions in as much space as necessary.
Conclusion
As you have found out, England and the United States employed a variety of strategies in order
to succeed in their goals of industrialization. Hopefully you have learned not only about the
history of industry in the 19th century, but realized that these ideas, that were developed two
hundred years ago, still influence our world's economy and your own spending habits and
desire for material belongings.
Another Site: https://sites.google.com/site/industrialrevolutionwebquest2/home