The Industrial Revolution was a period of major mechanization and innovation that began in Great Britain during the mid-18th century and early 19th century. It was a process of change from an agrarian and handicraft economy to one dominated by industry and machine manufacturing. The Industrial Revolution led to significant inventions such as the assembly line, telegraph, steam engine, sewing machine, and internal combustion engine. The following are some of the key changes that occurred during the Industrial Revolution:

• Factory systems: The factory systems developed during the Industrial Revolution are responsible for creating capitalism and the modern cities of today.

• Employment opportunities: The Industrial Revolution created an increase in employment opportunities. Wages at factories were higher than what individuals were making as farmers. As factories became widespread, additional managers and employees were required to operate them, increasing the supply of jobs and overall wages.

• Urbanization: The new jobs for the working class were in the cities. Thus, the Industrial Revolution began the transition of the United States from a rural to an urban society. Young people raised on farms saw greater opportunities in the cities and moved there, as did millions of immigrants from Europe. Providing housing for all the new residents of cities was a problem, and many workers found themselves living in urban slums.

• Inventions: Due to the Industrial Revolutions advancements, the nation saw the first combustible engine, incandescent light bulb, and modern assembly line used in manufacturing.

• Working conditions: Women and children were often employed in the textile industry during the first century of industrialization. Their smaller fingers were often better at threading the machinery. Despite routinely working 16 hours, or longer, a day they were paid little.

The Industrial Revolution is considered a major turning point in history, comparable only to humanitys adoption of agriculture with respect to material advancement. It influenced almost every aspect of daily life, and some economists have said the most important effect of the Industrial Revolution was that the standard of living for the general population in the Western world began to increase consistently for the first time in history.