📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
Who invented the spinning jenny?
Correct answer: James Hargreaves
A James Watt
B Richard Arkwright
✓ James Hargreaves
D Robert Burns
💡 Explanation
James Hargreaves invented the spinning jenny.
Key facts to remember
- Industrial Revolution began in Britain late 18th century
- Key inventions: spinning jenny, water frame, steam engine
- Transformed Britain from rural to urban industrial society
- People moved to cities for factory work
- Terrible conditions: long hours, low pay, child labour
- Made Britain world's leading industrial nation
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.4.5 The Industrial Revolution:
The Industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century and transformed the country from a rural, agricultural society into an urban, industrial one. New inventions such as the spinning jenny (James Hargreaves), the water frame (Richard Arkwright), and the improved steam engine (James Watt) revolutionised manufacturing, particularly the textile industry.
The Industrial Revolution led to massive social changes. People moved from the countryside to work in factories in growing cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. Working conditions were often terrible, with long hours, low pay, and child labour. However, the revolution also created great wealth and made Britain the world's leading industrial and trading nation.
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