Traditionally, the Industrial Revolution is believed to have started in the late 1700s, marked by the invention of the steam engine and the subsequent boom in textile production. However, new evidence indicates that the foundations of industrialization were laid in the 1600s, over a century before traditional accounts.
Agricultural Advancements and the Mining Industry
In the 1600s, Britain experienced significant agricultural advancements, including the introduction of new farming techniques and machinery. The mining industry also played a crucial role in Britain’s early industrialization. The invention of the steam-powered pump in 1712 allowed for deeper mining, increasing coal production significantly.
Water Power and Textile Mills
Water power was another essential factor in Britain’s early industrialization. The use of water wheels to power textile mills dates back to the 1600s, with the number of water-powered textile mills growing steadily over the following centuries. By the 1700s, these mills had become a significant source of employment, with one in 80 Britons working in the 4,000+ textile mills across the country.