why did england industrialize first?

Answer 1

Britain used water power before steam power for industry,
so the answer is not the steam engine alone.
The British advantages in industrialization include :
- Britain possessed men of business willing to risk their wealth ("capital") to invest in new enterprises utilizing emerging technologies
- Britain was governed by men who supported commercial interests even though social status was still based on landholding.
- There was an efficient banking system and a tradition of forming joint venture companies which dated back to Elizabeth I.
- Britain was an island protected by an excellent navy.
Geographic location hurt the people of the Netherlands who were repeatedly forced to defend themselves from the land forces of larger countries such as France.

The bottom line I believe is the willingness to risk capital for
commercial/industrial ventures - plus the fact that Britain had the sea power and overseas colonies to be able to market their industrial output. They also of course had innovative men who came up with mechanical means for industrial production - especially in cloth (machines to spin thread and power looms for weaving) and metal working (iron and steel).

Answer 2

The English had the freest economy in Europe, and had to make up in quanity for what a relatively small population could produce compared other countries in Europe which had more people.

Answer 3

Ask yourself who developed the first practical steam engine, then ask where that happened.

Answer 4

British spirit.