The industrial revolution marked a change from handwork to machine work and from domestic system of production to factory system of production. In this context, discuss the role of the following factors in ushering in the Industrial Revolution:

(a) Invention of machines.

(b) Availability of coal and iron.

(c) Improved Transportation.

(a) Invention of machines — Invention of machinery and its use in manufacturing was the starting point of Industrial revolution. John Key, a weaver of Lancashire, invented 'The Flying Shuttle' which increased the speed of weaving. It also made the weaving of broad cloth by one man possible. A Lancashire weaver named James Hargreaves invented a machine called the spinning Jenny. It could spin eight threads at a time instead of one thread of the old-fashioned spinning wheel. Richard Arkwright invented the 'Water Frame'. It produced harder and stronger yarn than that of the spinning Jenny, but it was run by water power. It ushered the factory system.

(b) Availability of coal and iron — Natural resources such as iron and coal were available in England. The iron and coal mines were situated close to each other. Iron was used in making machines. The coal provided cheap fuel. Both these factors helped in the development of industries.

(c) Improved Transportation — In the second half of the 18th century, transport system in England was adequate. The use of tarcoal and tar enabled the construction of roads in many European countries. Steamboats and steamships were used extensively. George Stephenson designed his first locomotive engine, which was used for hauling coal in the Killingworth colliery. This brought about a revolution in transport. James Watt invented the steam engine. The discovery of steam as a source of power, facilitated the industrial revolution as it was used for transport both on land and sea.