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The Industrial Revolution

Study note

The Industrial Revolution describes the rapid growth of factories, machines and industry that transformed Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries. Britain was the first country in the world to industrialise on a large scale, ahead of nations such as France. New machinery, powered by steam, allowed goods to be made in large quantities in factories.

This change had a huge effect on daily life. Railways were built, towns and cities grew quickly, and large numbers of people moved from the countryside to work in the new factories. The Industrial Revolution was not a war or a single event like the signing of Magna Carta or the defeat of the Spanish Armada. It was a long period of economic and social change, and the key fact to remember is that Britain led the world as the first country to industrialise.

Memory tip: Britain industrialised first: steam, factories, railways, people move to cities.

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What was the Industrial Revolution?

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Show all questions and answers for The Industrial Revolution(2 questions with explanations)

The Industrial Revolution: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What was the Industrial Revolution?

    • A war between England and Scotland
    • The rapid growth of factories, machines and industry from the 18th century
    • The signing of Magna Carta
    • The defeat of the Spanish Armada

    Correct answer: The rapid growth of factories, machines and industry from the 18th century

    Britain led the Industrial Revolution, with steam power, factories and railways.

  2. 2. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Britain was the first country to industrialise
    • France was the first country to industrialise

    Correct answer: Britain was the first country to industrialise

    Britain was the first country to industrialise on a large scale.

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