British Cotton Industry

The British cotton industry was a major part of the UK's economy during the 18th and 19th centuries, centered on the production of cotton textiles. It involved the importation of raw cotton, mainly from colonies, which was spun into thread and woven into fabric in factories. Innovations like the spinning jenny and power loom increased efficiency, fueling urban growth and making Britain a leading global textile producer. The industry also relied heavily on slave labor and colonial resources. Over time, competition from other countries and technological changes led to decline, but during its peak, it transformed Britain into a textile powerhouse.