The Industrial Development of 1750 to 1815 was more commonly known as the industrial revolution. The developments which occurred during this period transformed Britain, from a largely rural population, making a living almost entirely from agriculture, to that of a "town centred society" engaged increasingly in factory manufacture.
Arnold Toynbee who coned the phrase Industrial revolution, wanted to emphasise the rapidity with which this development was occurring. He justified his usage of the words by stating that they represented:.
"A peaceful eve followed by a stormy dawn.".
[1, p100].
For it was a time in history marked for its significant technological changes in the economical and agricultural industries. Women along with children were being employed to do the work. Historians like Paul Langford in his book Eighteenth Century Britain that the .
"The Eighteenth Century was nothing if not an age of change.".
[2, P8].
However, subsequent historians have offered alternative viewpoints, a revised opinion so to speak, like N C R Crafts, who argues that this Industrial Development took .
"Centuries rather than decades".
[3, P1].
To evolve, having its roots in the seventeenth century, possibly earlier. Thus giving the impression that the industrial revolution was a gradual continuation of time. Craft also goes on to say that:.
"This period in history should be regarded at best, as guesses,.
With substantial margins for error.".
[4, P1].
Therein changing the opinions of historians like Craft. .
To consider whether Change or Continuity played a major part in the characterisation of this era of industrial development will be explored. .
According to J H Plumb, the main characteristics of the Industrial Development from the period of 1750 to 1815 were that of change. Plumb states in his book England in the Eighteenth Century that the: .
"Changes in industry, agriculture, the economy and social life".