Which of the following statements regarding the Industrial Revolution is/are correct?

1. It was change of a society from a rural and agricultural lifestyle to one in which most people earned their living in the industrial or secondary sector of the economy.

2. The first Industrial Revolution began in Germany in the early eighteenth century.

3. During Industrial Revolution, technological advances in iron smelting, and later steel produc-tion, were accompanied by the invention of steam engine.

Select the correct answer using the code given below. 

The correct answer is 1 and 3 only.

Key Points

• The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in society from a predominantly agrarian and handicraft economy to one characterized by industrial and machine manufacturing processes.
• The first Industrial Revolution is noted for its major developments in industries such as textiles, iron, and the widespread use of the steam engine. This transformative period began in Great Britain in the late 18th century, around the 1760s, making the statement about its beginning in Germany incorrect. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution were indeed pivotal. Innovations in iron smelting significantly improved the production process, making it more efficient and cost-effective. Steel production later played a crucial role in the construction and machinery industries, among others. The invention and application of the steam engine revolutionized transportation and manufacturing, making it a hallmark of this era. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The change towards industrial society involved a shift where the majority of the population began earning their livelihood in the industrial sector, moving away from agricultural practices. This transition is a defining characteristic of the Industrial Revolution. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Additional Information

• The Industrial Revolution led to urbanization, as people moved to cities in search of jobs in the new factories. This shift had profound social, economic, and environmental impacts.
• It introduced a new era of innovations such as the cotton gin, interchangeable parts, and the telegraph, which further propelled industrial growth and efficiency.
• The revolution also brought about significant changes in social structures, with the rise of a new working class and the development of new social classes associated with industrial capitalists.
• Environmental impacts were significant, with the increased use of fossil fuels contributing to pollution and the beginning of significant changes in global climates.
• It paved the way for the Second Industrial Revolution, which saw advancements in electricity, chemical manufacturing, and internal combustion engines, further transforming societies and economies worldwide.