Why the industrial revolution broke out …

Factors which led to the beginning of Industrial Revolution in England were:

• The beginning of Renaissance and Reformation led to awakening among the people in Europe. Inventions made by the British scientists brought a revolution in the industries of Great Britain. Invention of the “Spinning Jenny’ by James Hargreaves in 1769 made the speed of spinning faster. Invention of ‘Water Frame’ by Richard Arkwright produced stronger and harder yarn than that of the Spinning Jenny and ushered in the factory system.
• England had a large colonial empire. She procured raw materials from colonies at cheaper rates for her industries. India was one of the countries from where she purchased raw materials like cotton at extremely cheap rates. She not only brought raw materials at cheap rates but also sold her manufactured goods in the colonial markets. Thus availability of markets led to the flourishing of industries in England.
• Several raw materials like iron and coal were available in England. Further, she was a supreme naval power. She was able to procure raw materials from other parts of the world by ships. Moderate climate of England helped in the development of textile industries.
• As England began to reap huge benefits from the international trade, industries in England began to expand bringing about increase in production of goods and materials.  Napoleonic Wars had damaged the trade and industry of the continental countries. But since these wars were never fought in Britain, the long period of peace prevailed which led to the development of industrial production in England.
• The decline of feudalism resulted in large number of unemployed peasants. They came to cities in search of jobs and thus labourers were easily available for factories in England.
• The use of charcoal and tar enabled the construction of roads in many European countries. In 1804, locomotive engine was manufactured by George Stephenson. This improved transport system in England.
• The invention of steam engine by James Watt led to the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. In 1813, the railways ran with the help of steam.
• Many protestant artisans of Spain and France migrated to England for the fear of religious persecution in their own countries. The English government provided them with shelter and monetary help. Their skills helped in the development of industries in England.