Global Beginnings of Britain’s Textile Industry (Abigail Fachtmann)

India cotton textile for European market, 1750-1800

Before it dominated the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution in the nineteenth century, Great Britain was limited to wool production. Britain and other northern European countries could only get cotton from South Asia, particularly India. India’s cotton textiles proved to be extremely appealing with their bright colors and intricate designs, resulting in skyrocketing demand much to the dismay of English competitors of other fabrics. The above image shows a bedspread most likely customized for the British market as British customers favored flowering patterns on white backgrounds. Indian textiles, such as the one shown, grew to be so popular that the British government legislated higher tariffs out of fear for their own national industry. This restriction contributed to entrepreneurs looking for new, efficient ways, e.g. manufacturing machines with alternative sources of energy, to develop their own textile industry.