Industrial Revolution and the Expansion of Europe: The Consequences on the Economies of Developing Nations

Abstract

This paper examines the expansion of Europe in the wake of the 
Industrial Revolution and the consequences thereof on the economies of developing nations. The paper employed the qualitative research design by relying heavily on existing secondary data. The paper utilized the Capitalist Theory as a framework of analysis. Findings from the research revealed that the industrial revolution and the subsequent expansion in Europe led to the infiltration and disarticulation of the economies and culture of the developing nations. Therefore, the paper concluded that the Industrial Revolution transformed the social-economy of Europe. The creation of an industrial proletariat produced a whole new force for 
change. The development of a wealthy industrial middle class presented a challenge to the long-term hegemony of landed wealth. Though that wealth had been threatened by the fortunes of commerce, it had never been overturned. Sequel to the above findings and conclusion, the paper recommended that thepolitical elites and leaders in developing nations across the globe need to understand and apply the principles of industrial revolution as state policy in order to improve the lots of their subjects and create enabling environment for a modern state system; developing nations should stimulate primary production to enhance the competitiveness of real sector participation in their economies.