Text 1: Historian Gomez argues that the Industrial Revolution began in Britain because of unique cultural factors. A Protestant work ethic, a tradition of practical tinkering, and patent laws that rewarded inventors created a society uniquely suited to innovation. Other countries had coal and capital, but Britain alone had the right mindset.
Text 2: Historian Roy challenges cultural explanations. Britain industrialized first, he argues, because it had cheap coal near the surface, expensive labor that made automation profitable, and a global empire that supplied raw materials and markets. Cultural traits, Roy contends, are too vague to explain why Britain rather than equally "industrious" Holland or France led the way.
The authors most clearly disagree about
- A
whether Britain industrialized before other countries.
- Bcheck_circle
whether cultural factors are the primary explanation for Britain's industrial lead.
- C
whether industrialization happened in the eighteenth century.
- D
whether Britain had access to coal.
Explanation
Both agree on the historical fact and on coal's availability. They disagree on whether culture or material conditions primarily explain the timing. B captures the dispute.