What were the main reasons that the Industrial Revolution happened in Great Britain?

Question

What were the main reasons that the Industrial Revolution happened in Great Britain? I know there were at least a few other European countries with some of the same advantages that Great Britain had (such as markets for their goods in their colonies). What was it that set Great Britain apart?

Answer 1

You'll need more expertise on this, but one of the central reasons was that Britain had enormous supplies of coal, which was the primary means of fuel for a number of factories and shipping methods. This contributed to Britain's ability to sustain and expand its empire, which provided a market for its industries. Of course, there were more material events beyond simply having coal. For instance, Britain had internal political stability that was fairly uncommon compared to other European nations during the time. During a period of great political upheaval in Europe (the French Revolution and revolutions of the 40's), Britain was able to maintain stability, much of it because Parliament had begun to liberalize at a slower pace than liberal/ revolutionary European nations, but faster than conservative nations such as Russia and Austria. Better ensured property rights for individuals attributed a level of power to ordinary citizens such that revolution was unlikely in England.