The Industrial Revolution involved the diffusion of several technological innovations in four main sectors:
- Power generation. Enabled to perform larger quantities of work through the usage of thermal energy. The first application concerned mining, allowing to access greater quantities of ore.
- Textiles. Development of the first mass market for consumer goods by substantially reducing the costs for clothing. Sequential improvements were made in the process of spinning and weaving.
- Metallurgy. Low-cost metals used to manufacture equipment and infrastructure, including shipbuilding, rails, construction, and machines.
- Transportation. Mass conveyances and telecommunication systems with railroads offering the first extensive classification on inland transportation.