Cottage Industry and the Factory System Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in Britain when it did? How quickly and decisively did it transform industrial technology, class relations and living standards? Duncan Bythell | Published in History Today Volume 33 Issue 4 April 1983 To continue reading this article you will need to purchase access to the online archive. Buy Online Access Buy Print & Archive Subscription If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.