<P> Construction of major railways connecting the larger cities and towns began in the 1830s but only gained momentum at the very end of the first Industrial Revolution . After many of the workers had completed the railways, they did not return to their rural lifestyles but instead remained in the cities, providing additional workers for the factories . </P> <P> Other developments included more efficient water wheels, based on experiments conducted by the British engineer John Smeaton the beginnings of a machine industry and the rediscovery of concrete (based on hydraulic lime mortar) by John Smeaton, which had been lost for 1300 years . </P> <P> Prior to the Industrial Revolution, most of the workforce was employed in agriculture, either as self - employed farmers as landowners or tenants, or as landless agricultural labourers . It was common for families in various parts of the world to spin yarn, weave cloth and make their own clothing . Households also spun and wove for market production . At the beginning of the Industrial Revolution India, China and regions of Iraq and elsewhere in Asia and the Middle East produced most of the world's cotton cloth while Europeans produced wool and linen goods . </P> <P> In Britain by the 16th century the putting - out system, by which farmers and townspeople produced goods for market in their homes, often described as cottage industry, was being practiced . Typical putting out system goods included spinning and weaving . Merchant capitalist typically provided the raw materials, paid workers by the piece, and were responsible for the sale of the goods . Embezzlement of supplies by workers and poor quality were common problems . The logistical effort in procuring and distributing raw materials and picking up finished goods were also limitations of the putting out system . </P>

Mention the consequence of the industrial revolution in the economic field