Industrial Revolution - Reasons

Question 1

Give as many reasons as you can for the industrial revolution happening when and where it did.

Answer 1

• Britain’s population was growing.
• Britain had lots of raw materials.
• Britain’s farmers grew more food.
• Britain’s Empire and trade were growing.
• Britain’s transport was improved.
• There were many new ideas and inventions at the time.

Question 2

Why did Britain’s population growing help the IR?

Answer 2

• More people = More sales

- Extra labour for work

Question 3

Why did Britain having plenty of raw materials help the IR?

Answer 3

• Iron and steel were needed in making machines and railways

- Lots of coal for powering engines to power machinery

Question 4

Why did Britain’s farmers growing more food help the IR?

Answer 4

• Profits from some farmers were invested in industry or transport improvements
• Farmers and their workers had more money to spend on goods

Question 5

Why did Britain’s Empire and overseas trade growing help the IR?

Answer 5

• Money from trade was spent on development in industry
• Supplies could be taken from other countries (e.g. cotton from America)
• More places to sell goods to = more factories = more jobs

Question 6

Why did Britain’s transport improving help the IR?

Answer 6

• Raw materials were cheaper and more reliable
• Greater market reach
• Cheaper goods = More sales
• New ideas and inventions spread quickly

Question 7

Why did new ideas and inventions in industry help the IR?

Answer 7

-There were people who knew how to make businesses out of inventions