The Industrial Revolution was a period of significant economic and social change that took place during the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and North America. It began in Britain and spread to other parts of the world, including the United States.The revolution also led to a shift in the way goods were produced and distributed, as well as a change in the way people worked and lived. Many people moved from rural areas to urban centers to work in factories and mills, and the growth of industry spurred the development of new transportation and communication systems.