Economic changes resulted in a wider distribution of wealth, the

decline of land as a source of wealth in the face of rising industrial

production, and increased international trade. Sweeping social
changes occurred, including the growth of cities and the
development of working-class movements.
Another key development was the adoption of the factory system. This
system of manufacturing is based on the concentration of industry into
specialized—and often large—establishments. The use of waterpower and
then the steam engine to mechanize processes such as cloth weaving in
Britain in the second half of the 18th century marked the beginning of the
factory system.