Britain was the first industrial nation. How and why?

Answer 1

Agree with previous two, but add an entrepreneurial middle class which arose due to the decline of absolutist monarchy (compare France). Nonconformism played an important part also - it placed great emphasis on the work ethic. I live in an area where the Quakers were very important - they played a part in the first railways, in coal mining and in banking (important as cash is needed to wheel the cogs of commerce). Both these factors played a role in the absence of revolution in Great Britain (after the last Jacobite revolt in 1745) - stability meant that efforts could be directed towards innovation in industry - again compare France and then much of Europe in 1848.

Answer 2

The growth of cottage industies, e.g. wool weavers, increased as the agrarian population found it harder to live off the land. This progressed to the birth of the woollen mills and other industries such as cotton mills, mining etc. As the people moved to towns the need for other comodities grew, such as glass, bricks, etc. It is claimed that the early start of the Industrial revolution in England (usually states as 1740) was the reason for England not enduring the revolutions of 1848 which affected other countries. As the peasants were able to gain employment in other industries, there was a reduced need for revolution - not so much competition for land, produce growing, etc.

Answer 3

in all likelihood the final case could be made for agriculture. something like a revolution in English agriculture the two preceded in time and became a causal agent in generating the business revolution. England went from having 80% of its grownup male hard artwork rigidity in food production to having forty%. That different forty% became obtainable to pass into the factories of the business revolution. only as important, the hot agricultural equipment became effective adequate to help a becoming inhabitants and safeguard (a minimum of) living standards. for this reason England became in a position to stay sparkling of the Malthusian exams to its boost.

Answer 4

Because of it's location.

Since Britain is on an island not very many invaders could reach it. It had stable recources, and didnt have to waste time protecting the borders, so naturally economic developement was easier.

Answer 5

It was the first to discover steam power and this enabled it to exploit its natural resources of coal and iron more cheaply than other nations . With its maritime traditions and its position between Europe and America it could trade its manufactures all over the world.