Although Smith spoke of the principles of capitalism, Karl Marx introduced the term. Marx's system of capitalism involved the relation of individuals to the means of production of material goods and services.
The development of Capitalism was gradual, however, became more apparent in the 18th century. The Industrial Revolution of 18th century Europe was the most influential transformation, which above all changed human labour, consumption, and social structure. The industrial revolution was drove by social changes as Europe moved from an agricultural based economy to a capitalist urban one. The vast increase in the market of European goods helped drive the adaptation to an industrial, manufacturing economy. .
The immediate consequences of the industrial revolution was first the lower prices of industrial products brought about by machine labour that destroyed the old system of manufacture based on hand labour. In countries where before industry had been based on manufacture were violently forced out of their isolation. They bought the cheaper commodities of the English and allowed their own manufacturing workers to be ruined. Countries which had known no progress for years, for example, India, were thoroughly revolutionized.
Second, wherever big industries displaced manufacture, the capitalists developed in wealth and power to the utmost and made itself the first class of the country. The result was they took political power into their own hands and displaced until now ruling classes and their representative, the absolute monarchy. Having raised itself to the actual position of first class in society, it proclaimed itself to be the political class as well. It took the form of a constitutional monarchy. In these constitutional governments, only those who posse a certain capital are voters. .
Another reason for the Industrial Revolution is the significant increase in population. To what this rise in population requires credit is unclear, however, it is clear that the transition to an industrial, manufacturing economy required more people to labour.