The First Industrialists

Abstract

The 'first industrialists' were the pioneers and leaders of the British Industrial Revolution, the men who founded factories and other large establishments, which were typical of the new economic system. They had a number of precursors since the sixteenth century, but, on the whole, they were a new breed, which emerged in the late eighteenth century. They were markedly different from the leaders of traditional industry. This book is focused on the social and occupational origins of those founders of modem British industry: what kind of families did they come from? What was their occupation before they set up as industrialists? In discussing these and other issues, this study (based on Professor Crouzet's 1983 Ellen McArthur Lectures) makes an important contribution to the problem of social mobility during the Industrial Revolution.

Occupational Choice and the Spirit of Capitalism*

“…This evidence is corroborated by the study of Crouzet (1985), who documents that few of the new industrialists' fathers were landowners (see footnote 21).…”

“…A significant share of the new industrialists had not previously been involved in any form of manufacturing. For instance, as many as 22 percent of the industrialists' fathers were yeomen and farmers, groups with no experience in industrial activity (Crouzet 1985). Moreover, there is evidence of substantial mobility across industrial sectors.…”

“…In a study of founders of large industrial undertakings in Britain between 1750 and 1850, Crouzet (1985) concludes that "neither the upper class nor the lower orders made a large contribution to the recruitment of industrialists" (p. 68). The only class that was significantly over-represented among the industrialists was the middle class.…”

“…As late as 1880, fewer than 5000 landowners still owned more than 50 percent of all land (Cannadine 1990, see also Lindert 1981, p. 378). Commenting on the underrepresentation of the elite, Crouzet (1985) writes: "The contribution of that class to the industrial leadership is not proportionate to its large share in the nation's capital and income. Eric…”

Family Enterprises and Business Partnerships: Rural Entrepreneurs in India, Malaysia, and Indonesia

“…'Bom in humble circumstances' these entrepreneurs were able to set up their own businesses and eventually become wealthy and powerful through their own hard work, thrift, mechanical ingenuity and character. 8 …”