Advanced Placement (AP) Human Geography Practice Exam

What does the Industrial Revolution signify in economic history?

1. The transition from agricultural to digital economy

2. The shift from cottage industries to factory-based production

3. The geographic transition of industries from rural to urban areas

4. The increased reliance on global trade networks

The correct answer is: The shift from cottage industries to factory-based production

The Industrial Revolution signifies a pivotal change in economic history characterized primarily by the shift from cottage industries to factory-based production. This period, beginning in the late 18th century, marked a significant transformation in how goods were produced. Previously, production occurred in small-scale, home-based operations where artisans crafted items by hand. With the advent of mechanization and technological innovations such as steam power and the spinning jenny, production moved to larger factories equipped with specialized machinery. This change not only increased efficiency and output but also fundamentally altered labor dynamics, as workers transitioned from being independent artisans to wage laborers in centralized facilities. The implications of this shift were profound; it not only transformed economies but also societal structures, leading to urbanization as people moved to cities in search of work in factories. It laid the groundwork for modern economic systems based on mass production and consumption, influencing everything from labor relations to global commerce. While other options do touch on aspects of industrialization, such as the geographic transition of industries and global trade implications, the essence of the Industrial Revolution is captured most accurately by this movement toward factory-based production.