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The Industrial Revolution in Britain

Study note

The Industrial Revolution was the rapid growth of industry that took place in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries. The headline fact for the test is that Britain was the first country in the world to industrialise on a large scale, ahead of France, Germany and the United States. This was made possible by new machinery and by steam power.

Before this change, agriculture had been the biggest source of work for most people, so a true or false question saying farming was the main employer beforehand is correct. As industry grew, coal and other raw materials were needed to power the new factories, and large numbers of people moved away from the countryside into the towns to work in mining and manufacturing. This shift from farms to factories reshaped British society.

Memory tip: Britain industrialised first: machines and steam power; people move to towns to work in factories.

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Question 1 of 4

Which country was the first to industrialise on a large scale?

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Show all questions and answers for The Industrial Revolution in Britain(4 questions with explanations)

The Industrial Revolution in Britain: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Which country was the first to industrialise on a large scale?

    • France
    • The United States
    • Britain
    • Germany

    Correct answer: Britain

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

  2. 2. During which centuries did the Industrial Revolution take place in Britain?

    • The 20th century
    • The 15th and 16th centuries
    • The 18th and 19th centuries
    • The Middle Ages

    Correct answer: The 18th and 19th centuries

    The Industrial Revolution occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries.

  3. 3. Before the Industrial Revolution, agriculture was the biggest source of employment in Britain.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Agriculture was the main source of work before the 18th century.

  4. 4. Which of these statements is correct?

    • Germany was the first country to industrialise on a large scale
    • Britain was the first country to industrialise on a large scale

    Correct answer: Britain was the first country to industrialise on a large scale

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

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