Economic growth was of momentous importance to the 19th century, transforming Britain into the "workshop of the world" and the "world's first industrial nation". Synthesizing much complex research into an accessible form, the author of this work examines the nature of industrial growth and assesses the roles of the "staple industries" - the railways, agriculture and overseas trade. He also analyzes the causes of Britain's relative economic decline. Through narrative and student guidance sections, the work seeks to provide a thought-provoking introduction to the industrialization of Britain.