Industrial revolution

Definition

A period of major economic and technological transformation beginning in Britain in the late 1700s, in which manufacturing shifted from hand production in homes to machine production in factories. It fundamentally changed economies, social structures, and daily life through urbanization, new transportation, and mass production.

Examples

  • The steam engine revolutionizing transportation and factory power
  • Textile mills in Manchester, England, becoming centers of mass production
  • The building of railroads connecting cities and enabling faster movement of goods and people
Key Fact

The Industrial Revolution began in Britain around 1760 and spread to Europe and North America by the mid-1800s.

Related Terms

Industrialization Urbanization Labor movements Market revolution

Study This Concept

Practice Industrial Revolution with free review games in these units:

AP World History: Modern Unit 6: Consequences of Industrialization