Ep 17. British Coal, Coke, and a New Age of Iron

An Economic History of the World Since 1400 season 1 episode 17, titled "British Coal, Coke, and a New Age of Iron," delves into the pivotal role played by coal and coke in propelling Britain's industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries. The episode explores how the availability of vast coal deposits in Britain's Midlands and Wales, combined with the invention of coke as a fuel source, led to a revolution in iron production that transformed the nation's economy and set it on a path to become the dominant industrial power in the world.

The episode begins by introducing viewers to the importance of coal as a fuel source and its widespread use in a variety of industries, from transportation to manufacturing to domestic heating. We see how coal was initially mined using simple techniques, such as digging pits and tunnels by hand, but how the advent of steam power in the 18th century allowed for the creation of more efficient and productive mining methods.

The episode then shifts its focus to the development of coke, a derivative of coal that burns hotter and more cleanly and is therefore better suited to the production of iron. We learn how coke was first developed in the mid-18th century by a British ironmaster named Abraham Darby and how its use quickly spread throughout the iron industry. We also see how the combination of abundant coal and coke, along with advances in steam power and the widespread adoption of new technologies, allowed Britain to produce iron on an unprecedented scale.

Throughout the episode, we are introduced to a range of fascinating characters whose innovations and entrepreneurial spirit helped drive the industrial revolution forward. We meet figures such as James Watt, who invented the modern steam engine; Richard Arkwright, who pioneered the use of machines in textile manufacturing; and Josiah Wedgwood, who revolutionized the production of pottery. We also learn about the social and environmental impacts of the industrial revolution, including the rise of urbanization and the pollution of the natural environment.

Despite the many successes of the industrial revolution, the episode also acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome. We see how the early industrial landscape was marked by hazardous working conditions, low wages, and poor living conditions for many workers. We also learn about the struggles faced by Britain's traditional agricultural and manufacturing industries, which were upended by the rise of mechanization and mass production.

Overall, "British Coal, Coke, and a New Age of Iron" provides a fascinating and insightful look into the pivotal role played by coal and coke in shaping the course of British and world history. Through its exploration of key innovations, figures, and historical trends, the episode offers a rich and enlightening view into the complex and multifaceted story of the industrial revolution.