The Industrial Revolution was a period of rapid industrialization that occurred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It was characterized by the widespread use of steam power, the development of new manufacturing techniques, and the growth of factories and mass production. The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on the world economy, leading to the rise of capitalism and the expansion of international trade. It also had significant social and environmental consequences, including the growth of cities, the emergence of a working class, and increased pollution and resource depletion.