Wars, especially invasions, are devastating to prospering economies.
I'm no "expert" in history, but I strongly suspect the reason the industrial revolution started in Britain was because of its geography -- the sea provided protection against invaders. Its relatively small size also made governance relatively easy. (Larger empires frequently collapse upon themselves if mismanaged) While nations in continental Europe had to constantly deal with military threats, Britain just kept slowly chugging along until it got its chance: being an island country during the golden age of maritime trade.
Wars, especially invasions, are devastating to prospering economies.
I'm no "expert" in history, but I strongly suspect the reason the industrial revolution started in Britain was because of its geography -- the sea provided protection against invaders. Its relatively small size also made governance relatively easy. (Larger empires frequently collapse upon themselves if mismanaged) While nations in continental Europe had to constantly deal with military threats, Britain just kept slowly chugging along until it got its chance: being an island country during the golden age of maritime trade.
(and the rest is history, so to speak)