The historical phenomenon that signified the shift from agrarian societies to industrial economies is the Industrial Revolution. Beginning in the late 18th century in Britain and spreading globally, this period marked a transition characterized by the mechanization of production, the rise of factories, and technological innovations. It replaced traditional agricultural practices with industrial manufacturing, leading to urbanization as populations migrated to cities for work. The Industrial Revolution significantly transformed economic practices, labor systems, and social structures, creating new social classes and altering daily life. It laid the groundwork for modern economies, forever changing how goods were produced and consumed.