The Industrial Revolution occurred from the 18th to 19th century, where major technological advancements like the steam engine profoundly impacted society. This led to urbanization as people moved from rural to urban areas for work in factories. Agricultural advances like crop rotation increased food production and profits, fueling the Industrial Revolution. Textiles were an early industry that boomed with inventions like the cotton gin and power loom. New technologies also emerged such as Bessemer steel production and pasteurization. Inventors including James Watt, Thomas Edison, and Louis Pasteur drove innovation.