The industrial revolution was and is a huge development and one of the fundamental changes in human experience in the modern world. In Debating the Industrial Revolution, Peter N. Stearns, a leading expert in world history, presents the major contours of the ongoing debates over industrialization in history. He explores the central historical discussion over what caused such a momentous change, demonstrating how interpretations have developed over time and encouraging students to critically engage with historical practice.

Trying to understand why industrialization happened,...