The Industrial Revolution was a period of a great number of improvements in the fields of knowledge and technology which started in the second half of the 18th century. It ultimately led to increasing the overall efficiency of manufacturing industries. Notable features are:
- Technological developments led to an increase in the GDP and subsequent wealth of many countries, as the output of these industries was much greater in comparison to pre-industrial revolution years.
- The introduction of machines made it possible for less skilled workers such as women and children to get a job in the factories. Improving their living conditions as manufacturing jobs paid more than housekeeping jobs.