An Introduction to the Industrial and Social History of England

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

21660

Title

An Introduction to the Industrial and Social History of England

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edward P. Cheyney's comprehensive text-book traces England's industrial and social evolution from prehistoric times through the Industrial Revolution. Designed for academic study, it offers a balanced narrative of economic shifts, rural and urban life, and government regulation, supported by extensive bibliographies for further research.

Summary up to 500 words

Edward Potts Cheyney's *An Introduction to the Industrial and Social History of England* chronicles the nation's transformation from a feudal agrarian society to a global industrial powerhouse. The text begins by establishing England's geographical advantages, noting how its insular position and rich mineral resources, particularly coal, laid the foundation for its future economic preeminence. The narrative traces the evolution from prehistoric tribal societies and Roman occupation to the consolidation of the nation under the Anglo-Saxons and Normans. A significant portion of the work examines medieval rural life, characterized by the self-contained manor system and village communities that often hindered broader national integration. Cheyney details the transition from a feudal economy to a more commercial one, highlighting the rise of towns, the growth of trade under the Navigation Acts, and the eventual decline of serfdom following the Black Death and the Peasants' Rebellion. The text also explores the internal conflicts between monarchs and barons, culminating in the Magna Carta and the development of Parliament, which unified the country under one law. The narrative progresses through the domestic system of manufacture into the Industrial Revolution, driven by major mechanical inventions and the expansion of the coal and iron industries. Cheyney analyzes the shift from laissez-faire policies to extensive government intervention, including factory legislation, sanitary regulations, and the rise of trade unions. Throughout, the author correlates these economic and social changes with broader national affairs, providing a factual overview of how England achieved global economic dominance while navigating the complex interplay between individualism, voluntary associations, and state control.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Geography
• Economics