The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant change that began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century. It marked the transition from hand production methods to machines, leading to the growth of factories and mass production. This shift allowed for faster and more efficient manufacturing of goods, transforming economies and societies. During the Industrial Revolution, innovations such as the steam engine and spinning jenny played crucial roles in increasing productivity. Urbanization also occurred as people moved to cities for work, resulting in changes in living conditions and social structures. Overall, this era laid the foundation for modern industrial society.