Industrial revolution

[Bev2007]

Why did the Industrial Revolution happen in England?

Why not France, or China, or USA, or the Phillippines, or........

[aristotle]

Most countries have had an industrial revolution including those you mention. We just had ours first.

[Bev2007]

OK Good point. But why did we have ours first?

[waimarie]

Hi Bev2007 - I'm sure this should be a long answer but I believe a couple of reasons were :
1. Development of steam for powering machines
2. Development of cast iron
3. Development of canals for moving goods and raw materials. (generally the roads were rubbish)
4 Eventual development of a wonderful railway network for moving peoples and goods more quickly and efficiently.
5. Stable government (believe it or not)
6. The Royal Navy ensured control of the sea lanes for export of goods.
7. A sound banking system.
AND SO ON.

The early to mid 1800's saw most of Europe in turmoil, politically. The USA was undeveloped.

[Grunty]

In addition to waimarie's answer, we had the right raw materials, especially coal and metal mines. Iron began to be smelted using coke, giving a higher temperature. Any raw materials we did not have could be brought from the colonies. We had the strongest navy which spent part of the time protecting trade routes and the rest keeping the French navy blockaded in port. We also had a strong army which ensured that we would remain in control of the empire. Farming had become mechanised and the labour was drifting into the towns where industry was starting up. It has to be said that much of the investment came from money made in the slave trade. Like Waimarie, I think this should be a longer answer, but is what I can think of on the spot. There must be a lot on Google. As well as Industrial Revolution it would be worth searching on Coalbrookdale and Abraham Darby.

[Bev2007]

Thankyou very much. I would have liked to have thought there was a single cause - I proposed coal but my husband argued education. Hadnt considered political & economic stability. Thanks.