Belfast Textile Growth explores how Belfast transformed into a global linen production hub during the Industrial Revolution, examining the economic boom and its profound social consequences. The book argues that while the textile industry spurred economic growth, it also created social inequalities. For example, the introduction of power looms revolutionized production but significantly altered the demand for skilled labor. The book traces the linen industry's evolution from cottage production to factory-based systems, highlighting technological innovations and Belfast's rise as a textile epicenter.
It then analyzes the changing nature of work, particularly the experiences of women and child laborers, and the rise of labor movements. Finally, it examines Belfast's role in global trade networks, analyzing its relationships with raw material suppliers and export markets within the British Empire. This approach, supported by factory records and personal accounts, provides a nuanced understanding of the industry's intertwined economic, labor, and social history.
