Industrialization

Definition

Industrialization is the process by which economies transition from primarily agrarian societies to ones focused on manufacturing and industry. This shift leads to the growth of urban centers as factories and production facilities emerge, changing the social and economic landscapes significantly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Industrialization in New Zealand began in the late 19th century and was marked by the establishment of processing industries, particularly in agriculture and forestry.
2. As industries developed, cities like Auckland and Wellington saw significant population growth, leading to rapid urbanization and changes in living conditions.
3. The introduction of railways in the late 19th century played a crucial role in facilitating industrialization by improving transportation of goods and people.
4. Government policies, such as tariffs on imported goods, were implemented to protect local industries and promote domestic manufacturing during industrialization.
5. Industrialization also led to social changes, including the rise of a working-class population and changes in labor practices, often resulting in labor movements advocating for workers' rights.

Review Questions

• How did industrialization influence urbanization patterns in New Zealand during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?
  • Industrialization significantly influenced urbanization patterns in New Zealand by creating job opportunities in newly established factories and industries. As rural populations moved to cities in search of work, urban centers experienced rapid growth. This influx not only changed demographics but also led to the development of infrastructure to accommodate the increasing population, resulting in transformed city landscapes.
• Evaluate the impact of railways on the industrialization process in New Zealand and its contribution to urban growth.
  • The expansion of railways was vital for industrialization in New Zealand, as it provided efficient transportation for raw materials to factories and finished products to markets. This improved connectivity between rural areas and cities accelerated economic growth and facilitated urbanization, allowing cities like Auckland to flourish. The railways helped integrate regions economically, further promoting industrial development.
• Analyze how industrialization altered social structures within New Zealand society, particularly regarding labor practices and class dynamics.
  • Industrialization led to profound changes in social structures within New Zealand by creating a distinct working class that emerged from rural laborers transitioning into factory jobs. This shift resulted in new labor practices, including longer working hours and harsher conditions. Over time, this fostered the rise of labor movements that advocated for better rights and conditions for workers, fundamentally altering class dynamics as they fought for recognition and equality.

Related terms

Urbanization: The movement of populations from rural areas to cities, often driven by the search for jobs and better living conditions as industries grow.

Mechanization: The use of machinery to automate production processes, significantly increasing efficiency and output in industries.

Labor Force: The total number of people who are available for work in an economy, which grows rapidly during industrialization as rural workers migrate to urban areas.