Social Science · Class 11
History: Industrial Revolution
Learn History: Industrial Revolution with notes, examples, and practice questions.
4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
The Industrial Revolution transformed Britain and then the world — from hand production to machines, factories, steam power, and railways — reshaping economy, society, and environment from the late 18th century.
Causes in Britain
- Agricultural revolution freed labour
- Coal and iron resources; colonial markets
- Capital from trade and banking
- Scientific inventions and patent culture
Key Changes
- Steam engine — James Watt improved design
- Textile machines — spinning jenny, power loom
- Factories replaced domestic production
- Railways and steamships revolutionised transport
Social Impact
- Urbanisation and crowded industrial cities
- Child labour and harsh factory conditions
- Rise of working class and trade unions
- Environmental pollution from coal smoke
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Factory system
How did factories change production?
- 1Machines concentrated in one building
- 2Workers followed factory discipline and hours
- 3Mass production lowered costs
Answer
Centralised machine production replaced cottage industry
Urbanisation
Why did people move to cities during Industrial Revolution?
- 1Factories offered wage jobs
- 2Rural enclosures displaced farmers
Answer
Employment in factories; loss of rural livelihoods
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Industrial Revolution began in Britain c. 1760–1840
- ✓ Steam power drove factories and transport
- ✓ Created huge wealth but also exploitation
- ✓ Spread to Europe, USA, and later Asia
Exam Tips
- • Timeline of key inventions
- • Social effects on workers
- • Why Britain industrialised first
Practice MCQs — History: Industrial Revolution
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
Steam engine improved by: