Why the Industrial Revolution began first in the UK. [Part1]

In truth, up until the Middle Ages, England was relatively insignificant in Europe, much like an isolated island on the fringe. Yet, by the 18th century, Britain had successfully ignited the Industrial Revolution and emerged as a dominant global power.
But why Britain of all places? Europe had other strong nations like France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Asia had powerhouses like the Qing Dynasty. In this video, we'll first explore the reasons why Britain was the pioneer of the Industrial Revolution. In the second part, we'll delve into why other nations lagged behind.

[glowaacz]

Great video for a generated voice! Available coal and political environment sound like a valid reason for why the Industrial Revolution began first in the UK

[frankbell]

The machines could not be made by hand with adequate precision. The invention of the metal cutting lathe in France in 1751 was a key step. Subsequent higher precision technologies have further boosted the per capita wealth where this appreciation is applied.

[kenpage]

When I read the title I knew the answer straight away - capitalism and coal.

[ireneuszfus]

Such a shame you "forgot" to mention that Brits forbode to produce textiles in India - they were to produce raw cotton and buy final product made in Britain - it was inforced by law, and was one of the means to exploit colony

[henkvandervossen]

German industeialisation was prevented by the German political and economic fragmentation. France had a good headstart late 18th century in its north east. They build and extensive canal system to transport raw materials like coal and iron ore. But transport remained a problem. So it never got a critical mass. Brits had the advantage of nearby cial, easy access to the sea and international trade and a large mass of uneducated superfluous agricultural population

[wattage-ukzt]

Makes a change, recognition of James Watt's invention of the world's first PRACTICAL High Pressure Steam Engine, which kicked off the Industrial Revolution.
It was a Power Revolution.
No more Newcomen Atmospheric Pumps or Arkwright's Water-Wheels.
It happened in not very rich Scotland by not very rich James Watt.
James Watt didn't have any capital!

[Dybbouk]

What about social structure. The English aristocracy dabbled in business unlike military castes in Germany of France. Then English peasants rented lands. Not owners as in France so less fixed to the land.

[jontalbot]

Historians have been arguing about this for years so it’s not going to be resolved in a You Tube video. To my way of thinking it doesn’t really matter much where it happened so much as the fact it did at all. Who cares where the agrarian revolution began? We know it was in the Middle East but so what?

[leifharmsen]

Malthus is still in the game and will ultimately be proven right unless we restrain ourselves.

[Obelixlxxvi]

Pioneer in exploitation of colonies, not in industrialisation.