The main reason for the start of the Industrial Revolution was the need for increased production efficiency and the rise of new technologies. Industrialization began in Britain during the late 18th century, driven by innovations such as the steam engine and mechanized textile production. Factors like access to natural resources, a growing population, capital for investment, and advances in agriculture paved the way for this transformation. The shift from agrarian economies to industrial economies fundamentally changed society, prompting urbanization and altering labor practices significantly.