Changes

In the 1700s England and France were already nations.  In England there began a powerful “industrial revolution” that transformed its society from an agrarian economy (based mostly on farming) into an economy powered by manufacturing and industry.  England, which had the strongest economy in the world, was the first to undergo an industrial revolution, although some historians cite the iron industry in China under the Song dynasty and the textile industry in India as forerunners to the English Industrial Revolution.

In the 1700s England and France were already nations.  In England there began a powerful “industrial revolution” that transformed its society from an agrarian economy (based mostly on farming) into an economy powered by manufacturing and industry.  England, which had the strongest economy in the world, was the first to undergo an industrial revolution, although some historians cite the iron industry in China under the Song dynasty and the textile industry in India as forerunners to the English Industrial Revolution.

The Industrial Revolution started in about 1760 in England.  Then, aided by the economic insights of Adam Smith, England’s economy continued to transform, grow and expand until 1840.

The Industrial Revolution started in England around 1760.  Then, aided by the economic insights of Adam Smith, England’s economy continued to transform, grow and expand until 1840.

A new form of literature also rose during this time, called "Realism".  These stories told the dark side of the Industrial Revolution: the overcrowded, filthy conditions in which many workers struggled.  Many of Charles Dickens' classics, such as ''David Copperfield'', belong to this genre of literature, portraying the plight of the poor in 19th century England.

A new form of literature also rose during this time, called "Realism".  These stories told the dark side of the Industrial Revolution: the overcrowded, filthy conditions in which many workers struggled.  Many of Charles Dickens' classics, such as ''David Copperfield'', belong to this genre of literature, portraying the plight of the poor in 19th century England.