Industrial Revolution
- Event / Era
- Industrial Revolution
- Period / Year
- 1760–1840
- Category
- Modern History (1500–1900)
- Details
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain around 1760 and extended until 1840, marked a profound transformation of human society from an agrarian to an industrial economy.
Key Developments
- Steam Engine: Improved by James Watt in 1769, it became the primary power source for factories, railways, and ships.
- Textile Industry Mechanisation: Innovations like the spinning jenny and power loom revolutionized textile production.
- Railway: Transformed transportation and commerce, enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods and people.
- Urbanisation: A significant demographic shift as people migrated from rural farms to urban factory cities.
Spread
- Originated in Britain (1760s), then spread to Belgium, France, and Germany (early 1800s), and later to the USA and Japan.
Impact
- Led to a massive increase in production, economic growth (GDP), and a general rise in the standard of living.
- Saw the rise of the working class (proletariat) and the capitalist class.
- Contributed to environmental degradation, primarily due to coal burning and pollution.
- Sparked the growth of labour movements, trade unions, and socialist ideologies.