Industrial Revolution refers to the phenomenon which resulted in a revolutionary transition to Factory System from the artisan manufacture system. Industrial Revolution brought not only technological changes but also major socio-economic-cultural shifts. Industrial revolution introduced power driven machinery in the manufacturing sector. Before Industrial Revolution, all the products were hand-made and use of machines were non existent.
In the 18th century, the whole of Western Europe began to industrialize itself at a fast pace. But, the Industrial Revolution first took place in Great Britain. The industrialization and use of machinery first started in the textile industry in Britain. Then, iron-making techniques were introduced. When power- driven machines started being used, the factory system was established and trade expanded. For expanding trade, a good transport system became essential and this necessity led to the development of canals, roads, and railways. All these resulted in high levels of manufactured output and rising incomes.
This increase in production and income brought forward many social and economic changes. As the production and labor pattern changed, social and cultural shifts were also noticed. Regarding the actual time of the emergence of the Industrial Revolution, different historians opine variously. While according to some experts, the Industrial Revolution took place in 1780 and established its full fledged influence in 1830s or 1840s, some others say that the Industrial Revolution occurred between 1760 and 1830.
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