AA period of rapid technological advancement in agriculture
BWidespread hardship due to industrial disruptions during the 1840s
CA time of abundant food supply and economic prosperity
DThe rapid growth of cities due to rural-to-urban migration
Answer:
B. Widespread hardship due to industrial disruptions during the 1840s
Read Explanation:
EVOLUTION OF CO-OPERATION
Origin of the Co-operative Movement
Birthplace: England
Known as the Mecca, Cradle, and Birthplace of the Co-operative Movement
Specific origins of:
Consumer Co-operative Movement
Housing Co-operatives
Agricultural Co-operatives
History
Co-operative Movement is closely tied to the Industrial Revolution (1760–1840).
"Hungry Forties" (1840) marked severe hardship due to industrial disruptions
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Cooperative Movement
Impact of the Industrial Revolution on the Co-operative Movement
Economic & Social Changes
The Industrial Revolution led to the decline of cottage industries, causing widespread unemployment among traditional craftsmen and workers.
It brought both prosperity and misery to Great Britain:-
Economic growth for factory owners and capitalists
Severe hardship and joblessness for many workers
Class Division
Resulted in unequal distribution of wealth
Led to the formation of two major economic classes:
Working Class – laborers with poor wages and living conditions
Capitalist Class (Industrialists) – wealthy factory owners and entrepreneurs
Corn Laws and Consumer Struggles
The British Government enacted the "Corn Laws", which imposed high tariffs on imported grain
This caused a sharp increase in prices of essential consumer commodities
Made basic food items unaffordable for the working class
Intellectual and Social Response
In response to these growing inequalities and social problems:
Economists, political thinkers, and social reformers began seeking solutions
Several reform movements emerged to address these injustices
Quote by C.R. Fay: “Co-operation is the product of socio-economic conditions created by the Industrial Revolution.”
Movement began in the second half of the 18th century
Friendly Societies & the Friendly Societies Act
Friendly Societies Act, 1793
Passed by the British Parliament in 1793
Aimed to recognize and regulate charitable organizations that offered mutual aid and basic necessities to the poor
These societies:
Were formed by philanthropists
Purchased food items like bread and potatoes in bulk
Supplied them at cost price to poor people
Focused on charitable help, not economic reform
Key Features
These were early charitable and mutual aid societies
The core idea was: “Only to cure poverty, not to prevent poverty”
Impact on Co-operative Thought
Over time, people shifted from relying on charity to exploring self-help and mutual help
This shift laid the foundation for the Co-operative Movement
Trade Union Movement
Emerged as a response to poor working conditions during the Industrial Revolution
Aimed at collective bargaining to secure:
Better wages
Improved working hours
Safer working conditions
Early Trade Union Example : In 1824, Charles Howarth and others started the Rochdale Weavers’ Union
Rochdale Friendly Co-operative Society (1830)
A predecessor to the well-known Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society
Membership: 60 flannel weavers
Represented the transition from Friendly Societies to full-fledged co-operatives