Answer: The Industrial Revolution (IR) was a period of major industrialization and innovation that started around the 1760s in England. It resulted in the transition from small cottage industries in which goods were primarily made by hand to new mass-produced goods in factories. Textiles were the dominant industry of the Industrial Revolution in terms of employment, the value of output, and the capital invested. The events in England before 1750 set such conditions, which were favourable for the Industrial Revolution. Factors responsible for the start of the IR in England are:

• Technological advancements: The IR was made possible by many technological inventions, which mostly happened in England. For example, James Hargreaves’ invention of the spinning jenny, Edmund Cartwright’s powerloom, James Watt’s improvement of the steam engine, etc.
• Agricultural revolution and migration towards cities: The Enclosure Movement led to more productive farming with greater crop yields. However, it also displaced many small farmers. Often, these men and women moved to cities to work in the new factories providing adequate labour for industrial development.
• Availability of resources: England had an abundant supply of the three factors of production namely land, labour, and capital. It had sufficient coal, iron, and other resources, which helped to kick-start the IR.
• Demand for industrial products: The domestic demand for industrial products was raised in England with a new way of life in the cities. Colonies also provided ready-made markets for the surplus goods.
• A stable government and economy: During the period, there was greater freedom of thought, and trade and entrepreneurship were encouraged. Further, a straightforward legal system allowed the formation of joint-stock companies, enforced property rights, and respected patents for inventions.

The above factors helped England become the first industrialized country, and at the same time, the Industrial Revolution caused an everlasting impact on society and living standards of people. This can be discerned from the following:

• Modern capitalist economy: The economy came to be dominated by the industrial sector, and the GDP of England grew exponentially making it a major exporter of finished goods and importer of raw materials.
• Impact on society: It led to rapid urbanization and rise in population of the middle classes. The society got divided between the capitalist class and the working class and the latter was forced to live in slums with inhuman conditions.
• Rise of Imperialism: The IR played an important role in the rise of Imperialism whereby the colonial powers tried to establish greater control over the colonies by use of military power and direct rule. These colonies were exploited for raw materials and acted as the markets of finished products.
• Impact on the environment: There was a major increase in population, which, along with an increase in living standards, led to the depletion of natural resources. The use of chemicals and fuel in factories resulted in increased environmental pollution.

Though the IR first started in England, its impact was not limited to it. Various other Western European nations became industrialized during the early 19th century. This led to the rise of Imperialism and competition for control of colonies and markets across the globe.