A period of significant technological advancement, particularly in Great Britain during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by the introduction of machinery, new power sources, and factory systems. This transformation marked a shift from agrarian and craft-based economies to those dominated by industrial production and manufacturing. An example includes the transition from hand-woven textiles to mechanized looms powered by water or steam, leading to mass production and urbanization.
This era’s impact extends beyond mere technological changes. It spurred unprecedented population growth, urbanization, and altered social structures. The mass migration of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of employment created new demographic patterns and challenges. Furthermore, it laid the groundwork for modern economic systems, international trade networks, and the spatial organization of industries based on resource availability and market access. Understanding this period is crucial for comprehending contemporary patterns of economic development, inequality, and environmental change.