The Thames Effect on the Industrialization of London

By Isabella Gambuto

In the 18th Century the industrial revolution swept all of Europe. A time defined as the application of power-driven machinery to manufacturers, all of Western Europe began to industrialize rapidly, but England’s process was highly accelerated. There are many explanations for why Britain’s industry emerged so quickly. The fact the England is surrounded by water kept the country insulated saving industrial development from being interrupted by war. London also had a large working class population, in part as a result of agricultural enclosure, who could fill the many positions needed to manufacture industrial goods. But, the largest effect on England and London’s industrialization was the river Thames. The Thames effect on industrialization, transformed England from a rural agriculturaly based society into a booming industrial economy. The river was the source of trade, work, and life. Since 13 AD, when the Roman Empire first settled London, the city has been centered around the Thames. Since then, London has expanded greatly because of the industry, trade and most importantly money the river brought to the city. The river created new jobs, technological advances and a booming economy for London helping it become one of the world’s largest industrial cities. With out the Thames, London would not be the modern trade or industrial capital it came to be.