No development in modern history has affected individuals more than the Industrial Revolution, and the manufacture of textiles played a key role. British economist Arnold Toynbee popularized the phrase "The Industrial Revolution" in the 19th century (Wikipedia "Arnold Toynbee"). In addition to the actual technical developments, the phrase includes the broad economic and social consequences, which occurred as a result of the technical innovations. The central core of the Industrial Revolution was the rise of the Factory System. Here workers were brought together rather than working at home. The increased productivity provided another boost to European population growth. Europe's population, which had been decimated by the plague, was greatly stimulated when Spanish conquistadors brought the potato back from Peru in the 16th century ("The Potato Then & Now"). Because of the Industrial Revolution, cities grew in size as centers of production. Complex systems of transportation were developed, including canals, steamboats, and trains and improved communications including the telegraph. The modern corporation rose as the dominant form of business organization. …
