The Industrial Revolution fundamentally changed production from human labor to machines. It began in England in the late 18th century due to several factors including available capital, colonies and markets, raw materials, workers, merchant marine, and geography. Key developments included machines replacing humans, new energy sources like steam power, increased metal production, improved transportation via railroads and steamships, and advances in communication like the telegraph. The textile industry was an early adopter of these new technologies, sparking wider industrialization.