Why was Britain the First Nation to Industrialise?
The Industrial Revolution took place from the late 18th century onwards in Britain. It was the
fundamental change which allowed society to develop into the modern economic system that is is
today. The change of men to machines meant a middle class was created, and Britain flourished into
a more complex, rich and successful country. It is of much historical debate as to why Britain
industrialised before other countries, with many of them not seeing industrialisation occur until the
latter half of the 19th century. There were many things that made Britain unique to other
countries, inside and outside the Empire, which are considered to be responsible for the rapid
industrial process which took place in this …show more content…
This gave
Britain many economic benefits, which propelled the industrial revolution forward faster than other
countries. It has been suggested that high real wages, cheap work and this supply of raw materials
was the vital combination in the British industrial success. The banking industry benefited the most
from the Industrial revolution, with most money being made going straight to London. To
conclude, “other countries were slow to follow suit not because they were stupid, sluggish or
repressed, but because they did not have that combination of expensive labour and inexpensive
energy.”14 Overall, many factories need to be considered as to why Britain industrialised before any
other country.
In conclusion, it was not one factor but a combination which resulted in Britain becoming the first
nation to industrialise. The textile industry, coal and iron advancements, the Empire and Britain
The Industrial Revolution took place from the late 18th century onwards in Britain. It was the
fundamental change which allowed society to develop into the modern economic system that is is
today. The change of men to machines meant a middle class was created, and Britain flourished into
a more complex, rich and successful country. It is of much historical debate as to why Britain
industrialised before other countries, with many of them not seeing industrialisation occur until the
latter half of the 19th century. There were many things that made Britain unique to other
countries, inside and outside the Empire, which are considered to be responsible for the rapid
industrial process which took place in this …show more content…
This gave
Britain many economic benefits, which propelled the industrial revolution forward faster than other
countries. It has been suggested that high real wages, cheap work and this supply of raw materials
was the vital combination in the British industrial success. The banking industry benefited the most
from the Industrial revolution, with most money being made going straight to London. To
conclude, “other countries were slow to follow suit not because they were stupid, sluggish or
repressed, but because they did not have that combination of expensive labour and inexpensive
energy.”14 Overall, many factories need to be considered as to why Britain industrialised before any
other country.
In conclusion, it was not one factor but a combination which resulted in Britain becoming the first
nation to industrialise. The textile industry, coal and iron advancements, the Empire and Britain