HistoryExtra podcast The ruthless revolution that made Britain great
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Feb 16, 2026 Edmund Smith, Professor of Economic Cultures and author of Ruthless, links Britain’s rise to early industrial innovation and global exploitation. He traces wool and textile transformations, Swansea’s mining boom, state mercantilism, stolen technologies and deep ties to slavery. He also draws parallels between past industrial change and today’s technological shifts.
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Dual Nature Of Britain’s Rise
- The Industrial Revolution combined ruthless innovation with merciless exploitation across society and empire.
- Edmund Smith frames Britain’s rise as simultaneous scientific progress and environmental and human exploitation.
Industrial Roots Start Earlier
- Smith pushes the start of industrialisation back to the mid-17th century to explain necessary commercial and scientific foundations.
- He argues mining, trade and empire were prerequisites that developed long before steam and spinning jennies.
Wool As The Foundation
- Wool was Britain’s dominant domestic manufacture and its largest export for much of the period.
- Wool manufacturing created nationwide expertise that underpinned later textile booms in linen, silk and cotton.
