Industrial Revolution A Revolution of technology

From tools to machines In the 1700s, a great change began that we now refer to as the Industrial Revolution. Gradually, machines took the place of many hand tools.

Where did the industrial revolution begin? The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain, in the textile, or cloth-making, industry. The United States and Britain continued to share ideas, even after the US declared its independence.

Richard Arkwright In 1764, Richard Arkwright invented the water frame, a spinning machine powered by running water rather than human energy. Arkwright’s invention, for example, speeded up the weaving process.

Mills and the factory system New mills created a way of working, known as the factory system. The factory system brought workers and machinery together in one place. Workers had to keep up with the machines instead of working at their own pace.

Steam power In 1790, Arkwright built, yet, another lasting invention. This invention has become known as the steam-powered textile plant. This led to factories being built within cities, where young children and women provided cheap labor.