Answer in detail: Explain the causes and effects of Industrial Revolution in Europe.

Answer: The great change from hand production to machine production that began in England in the second half of the 18th century is called the Industrial Revolution.

Causes:

• The geographical discoveries and commercial revolution increased trade and brought capital to Europe, especially England.
• England had plenty of coal and iron, a large supply of raw material (cotton) from its colonies and big markets for finished goods.
• Scientific inventions such as the flying shuttle, spinning jenny, water frame, power loom and James Watt's steam engine made large-scale production possible.
• Enclosure of farmland pushed labourers into towns, giving cheap workers to factories; good harbours and a strong navy helped trade.

Effects:

• Production increased enormously and the factory system replaced cottage industries.
• Cities grew rapidly; transport (railways, steamships) and communication improved.
• Society divided into capitalists and workers; workers faced long hours, low wages and poor living conditions, which led to trade unions and socialist ideas.
• The need for raw materials and markets led to colonialism and imperialism in Asia and Africa.