The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant change that began in the late 18th century, primarily in Great Britain. It marked the transition from hand production methods to machines, leading to the growth of factories and mass production. This shift improved efficiency and increased the availability of goods, transforming economies and societies. As a result of the Industrial Revolution, urbanization accelerated, with many people moving to cities for work. Innovations such as the steam engine and spinning jenny revolutionized industries like textiles and transportation, laying the groundwork for modern economic systems and technological advancements.