![Annual Energy Consumption in England and Wales, 1560s to 1850s | The Geography of Transport Systems](https://i0.wp.com/transportgeography.org/wp-content/uploads/energy_consumption_england_1560_1850.png?resize=900%2C422&ssl=1)
Source: adapted from Wrigley, E.A. (2010), Energy and the English industrial revolution, Cambridge University Press.
One of the fundamental changes the Industrial Revolution brought about concerns energy consumption patterns as a growing amount of work was performed by machines. This energy transition involves a shift to more practical and energy-intensive sources. The case of England is illustrative since it was the first nation to undertake an industrial revolution and its related energy transition. While up to the mid-17th century, humans, draught animals, and firewood were the dominant energy sources. By the early 19th century, the balance completely shifted to coal, a higher-density source conveniently available.