The Industrial Revolution Began in Britain
One of the interesting facts about the Industrial Revolution is that it began first in Britain. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the second part of the 18th century, with a number of technical innovations, including the discovery of the steam engine, as well as new methods of producing iron and steel that made them cheaper and easier to create.
One of the primary reasons the Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain was that many of the key technologies and ideas that propelled the revolution were made there. The spinning jenny, water frame, and spinning mule were among the first innovations in the cotton business. With his steam engine, James Watt created what was maybe the most important technology of the day. In 1776, he improved on Thomas Newcomen's 1712 Newcomen steam engine with the Watt steam engine. This engine was more efficient and powerful, and it was quickly expanded to power factory machines, as well as steamships at sea and locomotives on tracks. Other industries quickly profited from industrialization. Other innovations were Henry Bessemer's revolutionary steel-making methods, mass-production, assembly lines, electrical grid systems, and other modern machinery in steam-powered companies.
Another important reason why the Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain was the abundance of land, labor, and capital. Coal was required in large amounts to fuel steam engines and furnaces throughout the Industrial Revolution. Iron ore was required for machines, structures, and bridges. Both were abundant in England, as were rivers for inland transportation. Furthermore, the growing population assisted in the production of labor for the industries and mines that were critical to the Industrial Revolution. The increased population generated a market for items to be sold, allowing factory owners to benefit from the sale of their goods. Furthermore, the well-developed banking system in Great Britain enabled loans to be made to industries in order to help them succeed. England's political structure fostered trade and entrepreneurship. A simple legal structure allowed for the founding of joint-stock firms, the enforcement of property rights, and the respect of patents for inventions.
The final reason Britain was the first country to industrialize was due to its massive colonial empire. When the Industrial Revolution began, Britain was in the midst of the Age of Imperialism, in which European nations explored and ruled enormous swaths of land throughout the world. This was significant because it provided Britain with access to vast amounts of natural resources. In addition, the colonies granted Britain exclusive trading rights over hundreds of millions of people. As a result, Britain now has a large market in which to sell its goods.
