The Industrial Revolution (1750-1850) witnessed changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, transportation, and technology. It had a profound effect on the social, economic and cultural conditions of the times. In the second half of the 18^th century, a new revolution gripped the world that it was not ready for.

This was neither political nor social or cultural in nature. But it led to many implications later in its existence. It was an economic one. It began in the United Kingdom and then subsequently spread throughout Western Europe, North America, Japan and eventually the rest of the world. Industrial revolution marked a major turning point in history.

Almost every aspect of daily life was influenced in some way. Most notably, average income and population began to exhibit unprecedented growth. After the 18^th century, the World’s average per capital income increased over tenfold while the world’s population increased over six times in the next two centuries. The industrial revolution changed the way by how the world produced its goods.

It also changed our society from being mainly an agricultural society to an industrial and manufacturing one. It began in the field of textiles because there was more demand for cloth. Great Britain provided the legal and cultural foundations that enabled entrepreneurs to pioneer the industrial revolution. Britain was the first country in Europe to begin the process of industrialization. It had a lead over the rest of the European nations.

Factors contributing to Britain’s lead were as follows:

1. It had achieved Political stability after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. 

2. National Banking system was the first of its kind in Europe, to invest with low-interest rates. 

3. The availability of Natural resources like coal and iron in Britain. 

4. There was an increase in population due to better health facilities, low mortality rate, better diet, etc. This excess population gave rise to a larger workforce, ready to work at low wages and there was also an increase in the number of consumers.