Western Civilization
Out of all of the classes that I have taken here at GBS; this one covered the most amount of territory. The general objectives for this class were as follows:
General: This course is designed to introduce the student to
General: This course is designed to introduce the student to
- an investigation of events, people, and issues that have shaped the development of western civilization;
- certain essential trends that can be discerned in the history of the world;
- certain “grand themes” that resonate throughout the world’s history, such as the development of government and the idea of individual rights.
- the providence of God and the role of Christianity in history.
God’s Providence in the Industrial Revolution
Chuck Chapman
God’s Bible School and College
Thesis
I will set out to show compelling evidence that God’s providence in the Industrial Revolution helped to spread the Gospel, and to allow those who truly desired a relationship with Him, to do so. In addition, I will set out to show that the Industrial Revolution helped the world to gain a more accurate understanding of who God truly is.
I. Introduction
The Industrial Revolution was an amazing event in the world that changed all aspects of human life. This change effected areas such as the way people communicate, care for one another, travel, work, and their living arrangements and their working class. Although, this change was brought about in part due to the elaborate thinking and hard work of many individuals; this transforming time in history was also due to God’s providence. In the book of Romans, Paul writes “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).
II. Body
In his book “Western Civilization: A Brief History” Jackson Spielvogel points out that “Historians generally agree that the Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the second half of the eighteenth century.” (Spielvogel. Jackson) Most would agree that it was in the year 1760 to be exact. Before the Industrial Revolution most people lived and worked in rural areas. This work usually involved agriculture or working as a family in what was known as a domestic or cottage industries. In addition, the death rate was much higher before the Industrial Revolution; due to outdated food production methods that could not supply most family’s needs. However, all of this and the world as people knew it was about to change.
Although, the Industrial Age began in England, the majority of this paper will focus on God’s providence in America. However, first it is best to give a brief summary of the spread of the Industrial Revolution to America. In 1760 the 1st textile manufacturing hand loom was in use. Then the invention of the “Spinning Jenney” had the effect of speeding up the process of making thread and therefore increased demand. These machines were operated by a system of water powered propellers, belts, shafts and pullies. With the next invention of the “Spinning Mule” that could allow one person to do the work of 3,000 people; the cottage/domestic industries collapsed.
This did not go over to well with a lot of people who had previously made their living in the cottage industry. In 1811 a group of unemployed textile workers called the “Luddites” tried to destroy many of the machines that took their income. The effort did not last. Then in the late 17th and early 18th century the factory was born on the rivers of Europe and North America. This was the turning point in society and family life. Many people moved to the cities and housing was built around the factories; and the cities therefore grew. This was the first time that clocks were in the use of common people. The factory owners used them to start the process of hourly work. The employees would work long laborious hours; however, from the very beginning of the use of factories, the employees were given Sundays off.
The standard of honoring the Sabbath implies the providence of God in the use of these factories. In addition, with all of these people moving from the rural farm land to the cities opened up the doors of communication of people who would have normally never come in contact with one another. It is not unreasonable to assume that in these Industrial cities that the spread of the Gospel could have occurred. This is certainly the case in the American Industrial Revolution. Although, the American Industrial Revolution began due to Industrial espionage (spying), it did in fact multiply the population of America by foreigners, and created many more cities. Ten years after the Industrial Revolution reached America, God’s chosen people multiplied in this country.
In his book “The Faiths of the Founding Fathers” author David L. Holmes writes “In 1790, the first federal census counted 1,243 Jews in a total American population of almost three million. By the end of the century, the new republic had synagogues in Charleston, New York, Newport, Savannah, Philadelphia, and Richmond” (Holmes. David, 2006). It is also interesting to note that these cities are located next to rivers that ended up being huge contributors to the Industrial Revolution.
As previously stated, the American Industrial Revolution began due to Industrial espionage. This was because England would not share their patents or ideas. This was actually smart on their behalf because it would affect the prosperity of their country. However, America copied the English Power Looms and these designs caused America to rapidly become a major textile manufacturing nation. In particular the invention of the “cotton gin” by a man named Eli Whitney in 1793 put America far beyond the rest of the world in the Industry. The process of picking cotton and pulling out the seeds was a very time consuming process. Sadly, Mr. Whitney’s invention increased the use of slave labor.
Although, the use of human beings as slaves is never acceptable under any circumstances; God’s providence did prevail because of this. African Americans during the time of slavery have contributed to the spreading of the Gospel of hope to countless people. In addition, many a great hymns, such as “Amazing Grace” can be linked to slave labor. Lastly, it was this indecency of human beings and enough being enough, that eventually opened the door to the acceptance of the belief that “all men, being created equal, under God” in our country prospered. Sadly, this is not the case in other parts of the world. However, with the spreading of the Gospel message, occurring largely within the slave communities it is therefore not unreasonable that God would allow people whom He loves to go into slavery; so as to provide a better future for them. This was after all the case with the Israelites in Egypt.
Evidence of the spread of the Gospel and a proper biblical understanding can also be seen in the post revolution south. In their book “The Religious History of America” Edwin Gaustad and Leigh Schmidt write “In the early decades of the nineteenth century, southern religion presented a dramatically new face. Wholly changed from the Anglican-dominated region it had been for so long, by 1820 the South had been transformed into a bastion of evangelical religion.” (Gaustad.,Edwin. & Schmidt, Leigh, 2002).
This radical change and revival in America that was brought about by the Industrial Revolution can also be seen in the US Constitution; which was signed on July 4th 1776 (A few years prior to the revolution). In his book “Religions in America” Timothy Hall writes “No sooner had ‘We the people’ created a new nation by ratification of the US Constitution than the infant Nation experienced a new outburst of revivalism stretching roughly from 1790 to 1820 and referred to as the Second Great Awakening.” (Hall. Timothy, 2007).
In addition, to Mr. Whitney’s cotton gin, he also invented something else that created a huge leap in the Industrial revolution. His invention was called “interchangeable parts.” Whitney noticed that the majority of all parts were made by blacksmiths, and if a part broke on something, then it was in a sense irreplaceable. The government needed 10,000 rifles and Mr. Whitney developed guns that used interchangeable parts and therefore if a piece needed replaced you would have them in stock. The use of interchangeable parts worked so well that it soon spread to just about all areas of manufacturing in 1798. Once again, Whitney’s invention negatively affected someone else; this time it was the blacksmiths.
Shortly thereafter New England became the center of the American Industrial Revolution. It was a sea fairing city with strong current’s that could power the machines. New England was also full of rich people who were looking to invest and they were happy to invest in factories. These factories hand originally employed women and small children but with the events that were transpiring in the mid 1800’s it was not long until child labor was done away with. The women however, remained in the factories. These women were referred to as “mill girls” and were between the ages of 18 and 30. The working conditions of the factories however; had not changed. The hours were long, the pay was at a minimum, and the working conditions were horrid. Shortly thereafter immigrants flooded the factories and were given the jobs. This was yet another way in which God’s providence was in full swing. What better way to spread the Gospel, than in a country that accepted religious freedom, in a compacted city with thousands of people from all over the country.
It is also interesting to note the spread of Calvinism (Baptist Religion) during this time. In his book “America’s God” Mark Noll writes “From a period where the most important theologians came from New England, where their theology reflected the agenda of established Congregationalism, and where the most urgent theological task was to refute the Unitarians, American Calvinist thought the 1820’s was, with a great rush, broadened, deepened, diversified…” (Noll. Mark, 2002). It was very shortly after that the greatest changes of the Industrial revolution occurred.
The invention of the Steam engine changed everything. The switch to steam power was more efficient than water power. These powerful engines powered everything from steamboats to trains. This allowed for people to travel faster and further away from the river cities. Therefore new cities that were located inland were born. In addition, this also opened up the doors for God’s Providence to be revealed.
The steam engines were also used to thresh grain. This therefore jumped production in agriculture; which boosted the ability to return to the rural land. It also provided people with the ability to receive fresher food faster; and thereby raised the life expectancy of the human race. God had surly blessed this amazing time in history. Another advancement that changed the world occurred in 1844; rapid communication. A man named Samuel B Morse invented the telegraph. You may recognize the term Morse Code. In 1843 Morse obtained financial backing from the government and the first telegraph line was connected from Baltimore and Washington.
III. Conclusion
In his book “The Industrial Revolution” James A. Corrick records the first ever telegraph that was transmitted. I also feel the words are fitting to close this discussion of God’s providence in the spread of the Gospel that occurred throughout the Industrial Revolution. Corrick writes “His first message was ‘What hath God wrought!” (Corrick. James). I would have to agree.
IV. References
Bibliography Corrick. James, A. (n.d.). The Indrustrail Revolution. Lucent Books.
Gaustad.,Edwin. & Schmidt, Leigh. (2002). The Religious History of America. HarperSanFrancisco Publishers.
Hall. Timothy, L. (2007). Religion in America. Infobase Publishing.
Holmes. David, L. (2006). The Faiths of the Founding Fathers. Oxford University Press.
Noll. Mark, A. (2002). America's God. Oxford University Press.
Spielvogel. Jackson, J. (n.d.). Western Civilization: A Brief History.
Chuck Chapman
God’s Bible School and College
Thesis
I will set out to show compelling evidence that God’s providence in the Industrial Revolution helped to spread the Gospel, and to allow those who truly desired a relationship with Him, to do so. In addition, I will set out to show that the Industrial Revolution helped the world to gain a more accurate understanding of who God truly is.
I. Introduction
The Industrial Revolution was an amazing event in the world that changed all aspects of human life. This change effected areas such as the way people communicate, care for one another, travel, work, and their living arrangements and their working class. Although, this change was brought about in part due to the elaborate thinking and hard work of many individuals; this transforming time in history was also due to God’s providence. In the book of Romans, Paul writes “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28).
II. Body
In his book “Western Civilization: A Brief History” Jackson Spielvogel points out that “Historians generally agree that the Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the second half of the eighteenth century.” (Spielvogel. Jackson) Most would agree that it was in the year 1760 to be exact. Before the Industrial Revolution most people lived and worked in rural areas. This work usually involved agriculture or working as a family in what was known as a domestic or cottage industries. In addition, the death rate was much higher before the Industrial Revolution; due to outdated food production methods that could not supply most family’s needs. However, all of this and the world as people knew it was about to change.
Although, the Industrial Age began in England, the majority of this paper will focus on God’s providence in America. However, first it is best to give a brief summary of the spread of the Industrial Revolution to America. In 1760 the 1st textile manufacturing hand loom was in use. Then the invention of the “Spinning Jenney” had the effect of speeding up the process of making thread and therefore increased demand. These machines were operated by a system of water powered propellers, belts, shafts and pullies. With the next invention of the “Spinning Mule” that could allow one person to do the work of 3,000 people; the cottage/domestic industries collapsed.
This did not go over to well with a lot of people who had previously made their living in the cottage industry. In 1811 a group of unemployed textile workers called the “Luddites” tried to destroy many of the machines that took their income. The effort did not last. Then in the late 17th and early 18th century the factory was born on the rivers of Europe and North America. This was the turning point in society and family life. Many people moved to the cities and housing was built around the factories; and the cities therefore grew. This was the first time that clocks were in the use of common people. The factory owners used them to start the process of hourly work. The employees would work long laborious hours; however, from the very beginning of the use of factories, the employees were given Sundays off.
The standard of honoring the Sabbath implies the providence of God in the use of these factories. In addition, with all of these people moving from the rural farm land to the cities opened up the doors of communication of people who would have normally never come in contact with one another. It is not unreasonable to assume that in these Industrial cities that the spread of the Gospel could have occurred. This is certainly the case in the American Industrial Revolution. Although, the American Industrial Revolution began due to Industrial espionage (spying), it did in fact multiply the population of America by foreigners, and created many more cities. Ten years after the Industrial Revolution reached America, God’s chosen people multiplied in this country.
In his book “The Faiths of the Founding Fathers” author David L. Holmes writes “In 1790, the first federal census counted 1,243 Jews in a total American population of almost three million. By the end of the century, the new republic had synagogues in Charleston, New York, Newport, Savannah, Philadelphia, and Richmond” (Holmes. David, 2006). It is also interesting to note that these cities are located next to rivers that ended up being huge contributors to the Industrial Revolution.
As previously stated, the American Industrial Revolution began due to Industrial espionage. This was because England would not share their patents or ideas. This was actually smart on their behalf because it would affect the prosperity of their country. However, America copied the English Power Looms and these designs caused America to rapidly become a major textile manufacturing nation. In particular the invention of the “cotton gin” by a man named Eli Whitney in 1793 put America far beyond the rest of the world in the Industry. The process of picking cotton and pulling out the seeds was a very time consuming process. Sadly, Mr. Whitney’s invention increased the use of slave labor.
Although, the use of human beings as slaves is never acceptable under any circumstances; God’s providence did prevail because of this. African Americans during the time of slavery have contributed to the spreading of the Gospel of hope to countless people. In addition, many a great hymns, such as “Amazing Grace” can be linked to slave labor. Lastly, it was this indecency of human beings and enough being enough, that eventually opened the door to the acceptance of the belief that “all men, being created equal, under God” in our country prospered. Sadly, this is not the case in other parts of the world. However, with the spreading of the Gospel message, occurring largely within the slave communities it is therefore not unreasonable that God would allow people whom He loves to go into slavery; so as to provide a better future for them. This was after all the case with the Israelites in Egypt.
Evidence of the spread of the Gospel and a proper biblical understanding can also be seen in the post revolution south. In their book “The Religious History of America” Edwin Gaustad and Leigh Schmidt write “In the early decades of the nineteenth century, southern religion presented a dramatically new face. Wholly changed from the Anglican-dominated region it had been for so long, by 1820 the South had been transformed into a bastion of evangelical religion.” (Gaustad.,Edwin. & Schmidt, Leigh, 2002).
This radical change and revival in America that was brought about by the Industrial Revolution can also be seen in the US Constitution; which was signed on July 4th 1776 (A few years prior to the revolution). In his book “Religions in America” Timothy Hall writes “No sooner had ‘We the people’ created a new nation by ratification of the US Constitution than the infant Nation experienced a new outburst of revivalism stretching roughly from 1790 to 1820 and referred to as the Second Great Awakening.” (Hall. Timothy, 2007).
In addition, to Mr. Whitney’s cotton gin, he also invented something else that created a huge leap in the Industrial revolution. His invention was called “interchangeable parts.” Whitney noticed that the majority of all parts were made by blacksmiths, and if a part broke on something, then it was in a sense irreplaceable. The government needed 10,000 rifles and Mr. Whitney developed guns that used interchangeable parts and therefore if a piece needed replaced you would have them in stock. The use of interchangeable parts worked so well that it soon spread to just about all areas of manufacturing in 1798. Once again, Whitney’s invention negatively affected someone else; this time it was the blacksmiths.
Shortly thereafter New England became the center of the American Industrial Revolution. It was a sea fairing city with strong current’s that could power the machines. New England was also full of rich people who were looking to invest and they were happy to invest in factories. These factories hand originally employed women and small children but with the events that were transpiring in the mid 1800’s it was not long until child labor was done away with. The women however, remained in the factories. These women were referred to as “mill girls” and were between the ages of 18 and 30. The working conditions of the factories however; had not changed. The hours were long, the pay was at a minimum, and the working conditions were horrid. Shortly thereafter immigrants flooded the factories and were given the jobs. This was yet another way in which God’s providence was in full swing. What better way to spread the Gospel, than in a country that accepted religious freedom, in a compacted city with thousands of people from all over the country.
It is also interesting to note the spread of Calvinism (Baptist Religion) during this time. In his book “America’s God” Mark Noll writes “From a period where the most important theologians came from New England, where their theology reflected the agenda of established Congregationalism, and where the most urgent theological task was to refute the Unitarians, American Calvinist thought the 1820’s was, with a great rush, broadened, deepened, diversified…” (Noll. Mark, 2002). It was very shortly after that the greatest changes of the Industrial revolution occurred.
The invention of the Steam engine changed everything. The switch to steam power was more efficient than water power. These powerful engines powered everything from steamboats to trains. This allowed for people to travel faster and further away from the river cities. Therefore new cities that were located inland were born. In addition, this also opened up the doors for God’s Providence to be revealed.
The steam engines were also used to thresh grain. This therefore jumped production in agriculture; which boosted the ability to return to the rural land. It also provided people with the ability to receive fresher food faster; and thereby raised the life expectancy of the human race. God had surly blessed this amazing time in history. Another advancement that changed the world occurred in 1844; rapid communication. A man named Samuel B Morse invented the telegraph. You may recognize the term Morse Code. In 1843 Morse obtained financial backing from the government and the first telegraph line was connected from Baltimore and Washington.
III. Conclusion
In his book “The Industrial Revolution” James A. Corrick records the first ever telegraph that was transmitted. I also feel the words are fitting to close this discussion of God’s providence in the spread of the Gospel that occurred throughout the Industrial Revolution. Corrick writes “His first message was ‘What hath God wrought!” (Corrick. James). I would have to agree.
IV. References
Bibliography Corrick. James, A. (n.d.). The Indrustrail Revolution. Lucent Books.
Gaustad.,Edwin. & Schmidt, Leigh. (2002). The Religious History of America. HarperSanFrancisco Publishers.
Hall. Timothy, L. (2007). Religion in America. Infobase Publishing.
Holmes. David, L. (2006). The Faiths of the Founding Fathers. Oxford University Press.
Noll. Mark, A. (2002). America's God. Oxford University Press.
Spielvogel. Jackson, J. (n.d.). Western Civilization: A Brief History.