The industrial revolution in England and Western Europe more than two centuries ago was triggered by some key scientific and technological advances.

Solution
Some of the main developments in science and technology during this era include:

(1) The use of heat and thermodynamics to form the steam engine.

(2) Electricity discovery and implementation helped to create motors and dynamos.

(3) Study of gravitation led to the study of motion and making cannons and guns. This gave Western countries authority in their hands, and they ruled the rest of the world.

(4) The discovery of explosives helped not only the military but mineral exploration as well. These are some instances of improvements in science and technology that helped England and Europe gain prominent positions in the world.

(5) The advances in chemistry, physics and natural sciences actually introduced the industrial revolution in Western Europe and England.