Industrial Revolution in Liverpool is marked by the invention of the steam engine and the steam rocket locomotive.
Industrial Revolution in Liverpool dates back to the 19th century when the first traces of industrialization could be found with the building of canals. This period, hence, marks an important phase in Liverpool’s history. As in the whole of the United Kingdom, so also in Liverpool, the revolution had brought about a revolutionary change in the socio-economic conditions of the people. The agrarian economic orientation in Liverpool took a turn towards industrialization, especially with the invention of complex machines like the steam engine.
Industrial Revolution in Liverpool saw the city emerging as one of the chief centers of the cotton and slave trade. In the early periods of the 19th century, it became the chief importer of textile items, defeating London which was one of the chief contenders in the trading business. Being an important port city since the 13th century, Liverpool had major trading relations with Ireland which were later established with Manchester as well. Trading relations between Liverpool and Manchester were further strengthened by the Liverpool and Manchester railway line.
With growing trade relations and the advent of machinery, Liverpool became an important industrial hub. Different kinds of warehouses, docks, and factories were established which boosted the economical scenario of the city and the country of the United Kingdom as a whole. In the year 1772, the extension of the Bridgewater Canal to Mersey saw the beginning of canal construction in the United Kingdom. With time, it also became an important trading partner with the Americans.
The Industrial Revolution and Steam Engine
The invention of the steam engine in Liverpool by English engineer James Watt was a milestone in the history of the British industrial revolution. This enabled the usage of steam instead of water as the chief source of power for running factories and mills. Later, in the year 1829, George Stephenson invented the steam locomotive rocket and won the contract to design locomotives for the Manchester-Liverpool railways.
The Industrial Revolution in Liverpool marks an important facet of industrial development in Liverpool.