The Industrial Revolution began around 1750 in Great Britain, transforming it from a rural agrarian society to an urban industrial one. Several factors contributed to Britain being the birthplace of the revolution, including lucrative agriculture, wealthy landowners, and inventive engineers. New spinning and weaving machines revolutionized the textile industry, and water power helped drive machinery in early factories located near streams. The Industrial Revolution brought massive social changes as many moved from countryside to cities for new jobs, though working conditions were difficult, especially for children. Britain's economic and imperial power grew dramatically due to the large increase in industrial production.