History & Civics
The Napoleonic Wars indirectly influenced industrialisation in England. With reference to this, answer the following questions:
(a) How did England's political stability during the Napoleonic Wars support its industrial growth?
(b) What role did England's naval power play in sustaining its trade and economy during this period?
(c) How did the failure of the Continental System boost England's industrial and economic development?
Answer
(a) The political stability helped in the growth of industries. Many English people were patriotic and valued peace and order. Naval supremacy of England also kept her safe from external attacks. The Whig leaders, like Walpole, followed a policy of peace and kept away from European wars and thus saved England from the burden of costly wars. This peaceful atmosphere and political stability enabled England to develop her industries on a large scale.
(b) The English naval supremacy was also helpful in the development of industries. The articles manufactured in the English factories could be easily transported to the various parts of the world and sold profitably. Her navy, at the same time, helped her to prevent her European rivals from exploiting overseas markets.
(c) The failure of Napoleon's Continental System inadvertently boosted England's industrial and economic development. Although the system was designed to prevent the export of English goods to European countries, it ultimately failed in its goal. European nations, heavily dependent on English products, were forced to resort to smuggling to obtain them, keeping English commerce alive. Moreover, England's ability to import raw materials from its colonies and sell manufactured goods back to those colonies helped sustain its economy. The disruption caused by the Napoleonic Wars actually stimulated overseas trade, which fueled the growth of England's industries. Instead of damaging England's commerce and industry, the wars allowed for expanded global markets, furthering England's economic prosperity.
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(Source: https://egyankosh.ac.in/bitstream/123456789/12887/1/Unit-8.pdf)
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(Source: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/socialism.asp)
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