The Industrial Revolution was a period of profound technological, economic, and social transformation that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and spread across the wor
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-16
Introduction
The Industrial Revolution was a period of profound technological, economic, and social transformation that began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and spread across the world. It marked the shift from a rural, agrarian society based on manual labour to an urban, industrial one dominated by machine manufacturing. This revolution fundamentally changed how people lived, worked, and related to one another, creating immense wealth and progress but also new forms of poverty and hardship. Its consequences were so far-reaching that it is considered one of the most important turning points in human history.
Learning objectives
After reading this article, you should be able to:
- Define the Industrial Revolution and identify its key features.
- Explain why the Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain.
- Describe the key technological innovations that powered the revolution, such as the steam engine.
- Analyse the social impact of industrialisation, including urbanisation and the creation of a new working class.
- Discuss both the positive and negative consequences of this transformative period.
Why Britain?
The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain for a unique combination of reasons. …