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Which among the following was/were among the factors for England to experience the Industrial Revolution first? 1) The scientific inventions had paved the way for the Industrial Revolution. 2) It had favourable social and political structures in place. 3) Navigable rivers had made inland transport easier. 4) It had seen the ascendancy of capitalist practices. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation
England's lead in the Industrial Revolution was driven by a combination of technological, geographical, and socio-political factors. Scientific inventions, such as the spinning jenny and steam engine, provided the necessary mechanization [1][2]. Britain possessed favorable social and political structures, including a stable government since the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which protected private property and encouraged entrepreneurship. Geographically, England benefited from navigable rivers and a well-developed canal system that facilitated easier inland transport of raw materials like coal and finished goods. Furthermore, the ascendancy of capitalist practices was evident through a sophisticated banking system that provided capital for industrial investment and the emergence of a capitalist-industrialist class. These factors collectively created a unique environment that allowed Britain to become the 'workshop of the world' before its European neighbors.
Sources
- [1] Rajiv Ahir. A Brief History of Modern India (2019 ed.). SPECTRUM. > Chapter 3: Advent of the Europeans in India > Industrial Revolution > p. 54
- [2] Indian Economy, Vivek Singh (7th ed. 2023-24) > Chapter 7: Indian Economy after 2014 > First Industrial Revolution: 1765 > p. 232