The Industrial Revolution is sometimes said to have begun in Britain because of unique cultural traits — Protestant work ethic, scientific curiosity, individualism. Recent comparative histories complicate that picture. Many of the same traits were present elsewhere; what was distinctive in Britain, these historians argue, was a particular combination of cheap coal, expensive labor, and overseas markets that made labor-saving invention exceptionally profitable.
Which choice best states the main idea of the text?
- Acheck_circle
Recent histories explain Britain's industrial leadership through specific economic conditions, not unique culture.
- B
Britain's industrial leadership stemmed from unique cultural traits.
- C
Coal is the most important industrial resource.
- D
All revolutions are driven by economics.
Explanation
The passage contrasts cultural with economic explanations and endorses the latter — B. A is the view revised; C and D overstate.