Which statement best describes how Great Britain’s colonial empire contributed to the Industrial Revolution beginning in Great Britain? A. Disruptions in British colonies caused the British to invest in industrial military technology. B. New economic ideas emerged from the British colonies and helped drive industrialization. C. Industrial factories were established in British colonies to keep pollution out of British cities. D. Resources from British colonies provided the raw materials used in industrialization. SUBMIT PREVIOUS
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: D. Resources from British colonies provided the raw materials used in industrialization.
Explanation:
The Industrial Revolution began in Great Britain in the late 18th century and was fueled by several factors, one of the most significant being the resources and wealth gained from its vast colonial empire. Britain’s colonies played a key role by supplying essential raw materials that were critical for industrial production. For example, cotton from India and the American South fed the booming textile industry, while sugar, tobacco, and later rubber from other colonies supported both domestic consumption and further industrial growth.
The colonies also provided markets for British manufactured goods. This created a cycle where raw materials were brought to Britain, processed into finished goods, and then sold back to colonial markets. This arrangement encouraged mass production and spurred innovations in machinery, transportation, and factory systems.
In addition to raw materials and markets, the wealth generated from colonial trade allowed British investors and entrepreneurs to fund the construction of factories, railroads, and other infrastructure necessary for industrial growth. The profits from the colonies were often reinvested into domestic industrial ventures, supporting expansion and innovation.
Furthermore, colonial ports and shipping routes facilitated global trade, giving Britain a dominant position in international commerce. Control over the seas ensured that Britain could protect its trade interests and maintain access to resources and markets around the world.
In contrast, the other options are less accurate. Option A misrepresents the focus of the Industrial Revolution, which was economic and technological rather than primarily military. Option B overstates the influence of colonial economic ideas. Option C is inaccurate because industrial development was centered in Britain itself, not in its colonies.
Therefore, the correct answer is D because the colonial empire directly provided the essential materials and economic advantages that helped make Britain the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.
