Why the Industrial Revolution began in Britain

What was the initial phase of British colonial expansion characterized by?

• Industrial Revolution

• Abolition of slavery

• Intense European conflicts

• Establishment of colonies in North America

Answer explanation

The initial phase of British colonial expansion was characterized by the establishment of colonies in North America, making this the correct choice.

What played a crucial role in Britain's dominance during the second phase of imperial rivalry?

• Superior naval power

• Industrial products

• Transatlantic slave trade

• Abundant raw materials

Answer explanation

Superior naval power played a crucial role in Britain's dominance during the second phase of imperial rivalry.

By 1900, what fraction of the Earth's surface and population did the British Empire encompass?

• A quarter

• A third

• Half

• Three-quarters

Answer explanation

By 1900, the British Empire encompassed a quarter of the Earth's surface and population, making it the correct choice.

What significant workforce was provided by the transatlantic slave trade?

• Military personnel

• Agricultural laborers

• Industrial workers

• Domestic servants

Answer explanation

The significant workforce provided by the transatlantic slave trade was primarily agricultural laborers, who were forced to work on plantations in the Americas.

How did the colonies serve the British economy during the Industrial Revolution?

• As sources of military recruits

• As places for British citizens to emigrate

• As centers of technological innovation

• As markets for British manufactured goods

Answer explanation

The colonies served the British economy during the Industrial Revolution as markets for British manufactured goods.

Britain controlled more colonies, and therefore had access to more raw materials than any other country, including sugar from ​ (a)   and the ​ (b)   .

• Australia
• West Indies
• India
• Africa
• Canada

other raw materials were ​ (a)   from Australia and ​ (b)   .

• wool
• New Zealand
• cotton, China
• silk, India
• leather, Italy

There was also cotton and tea from India, rubber from Malaya, gold from (a)   and South Africa, coffee from Jamaica and Africa, wheat from Australia and Canada, and timber from the vast pine forests of Canada.

Despite losing some American colonies, Britain's naval strength helped it become the dominant imperial power. The British Empire's naval strength was a key factor in its rise to power, especially during the (a)   century.

The British Empire played a key role in starting the Industrial Revolution due to its authority and (a)   .