What were the origins of the Industrial Revolution in Britain?

TTHE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BEGAN IN GREAT BRITAIN, the nation created in 1707 by the formal union of Scotland, Wales, and England. Just as France was a trailblazer in political change, Britain was the leader in economic development, and it must therefore command special attention.

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James Nasmyth’s Mighty Steam HammerNasmyth’s invention was the forerunner of the modern pile driver, and its successful introduction in 1832 epitomized the rapid development of steam-power technology in Britain. In this painting by the inventor himself, workers manipulate a massive iron shaft being hammered into shape at Nasmyth’s foundry near Manchester. (Science & Society Picture Library, London)