In 1837 a man called Louis-Auguste Blanqui described the changes Britain had gone through in the previous 50 years.  He described an 'Industrial Revolution'.

There have since been many debates about when this Industrial Revolution started and finished.  Whatever the exact dates, between 1750 and 1850 Britain saw enormous change.  Society changed from rural where most lived and worked on the land to urban where money was made from manufacturing and commerce.

The Industrial Revolution was a 'Revolution' that began in Britain which saw a move from people mainly working on the land to people mainly working in manufacturing.  Many people moved to cities in search of jobs.  New methods of manufacturing meant things could be produced far cheaper and quicker than before.

There were many new inventions, ideas and methods.  These developments meant things could be produced far more efficiently.  The use of new materials such as iron and coal was very important, leading to the invention of the steam engine.  Thus, the Industrial Revolution saw an enormous increase in efficiency through the use of new methods and materials.

The basic idea is summarised in the diagram below.  The Industrial Revolution is actually far more complicated than this, but it is vital you understand this important change: