Why the Industrial Revolution Started in Britain

CrashCourse

In this fast-paced episode of Crash Course World History, John Green explores the Industrial Revolution, arguing that it was the most significant revolution in human history due to its profound impact on daily life. The video details how the shift from muscle power to machine power changed everything from life expectancy to where people live, contrasting the pre-industrial world of subsistence farming with the modern world of mass consumption and global interconnectedness. The narrative dives deep into the specific historical conditions that allowed the Industrial Revolution to begin in Great Britain around 1750. Green examines the technological innovations in the textile industry and the development of the steam engine, explaining the feedback loops that drove progress. Crucially, the video challenges Eurocentric explanations for why industrialization happened in Europe rather than China or India, debunking myths of cultural superiority. For educators, this video serves as an excellent tool to teach cause-and-effect in history and basic economic principles. It introduces the concept of economic incentives—specifically high wages and cheap fuel costs—as the primary drivers for technological innovation. By highlighting the global context, including the role of Indian textile production in spurring British competition, the video helps students understand history as a connected global system rather than isolated national stories.