Why did the industrial revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of life of the people there during the industrialization. How does it compare with that in India at present?

Theme

T23 Industrial Revolution and its spread: England, Japan, railways

What UPSC asks in this theme

UPSC asks why the Industrial Revolution began in England, life of workers then vs India today, Japan's 'latecomer' path, and the effects of railways worldwide.

What to cover

• Reasons for England's lead: capital, colonies, coal and iron, agricultural revolution, inventions
• Social effects: urban slums, child labour, labour laws
• Japan's state-led model after Meiji
• Railways' socio-economic effects in different countries

Writing the answer

• Comparisons work best as point-by-point contrasts

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 3 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.