England's Industrial Revolution

by Ami Komo
(Suginami, Tokyo, Japan)

Now I'm taking a class about western history. During this class I learned a lot about England. So let me tell you the history of England! I have an examination in this class next week, so this is a good opportunity to review!!

First, I want to tell you that England is a part of Great Britain. I also couldn't tell the difference between Great Britain and England until recent days. I even thought that England was just a kind of nickname of "Igirisu." :-) How ignorant I am!!!

Perhaps many Japanese misunderstand about England. Great Britain consists of four regions: Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and England! Especially, England is the center of Great Britain.

Somehow the English had an awareness that they were superior to Irish, the Welsh, and the Scots. I don't know the reason why they thought like that.

When the Industrial Revolution occurred in the 18th century, Manchester, which is located in the northwestern part of England, was the birthplace of the cotton industry.

By the way, when it comes to the industrial revolution, I have a surprising story. It is a theory that the industrial revolution was actually not a "revolution." The economic growth rate of that period was natural, and not surprisingly level, considering the increasing population.

So they insist that there was no "revolution." It is a marvelous theory, isn't it?? Not only this theory, but there were several other theories about the industrial revolution.

Western history is as complex as Japanese history (I major in Japanese history, but I can't understand!). But I'll study hard and get a good score in this examination!!