Summary

Although Britain was the first success story of the Industrial Revolution, it was in the U.S. that achieved the greatest advances in industry. The Americans separated the manufacturing process from assembly which allowed for the mass production and marketing of consumer goods. Because of the specialized machines, the process didn’t require skilled workers. The railway system and the telegraph created one market. Britain began importing U.S. machines for their factories. By the end of the 20th century, America was the world’s only superpower which was fostered by their dominance in the Industrial Revolution.

The rise of America was paralleled by the success of Coca-Cola which became the most valuable and recognized brand in the world. Coca-Cola and all artificially carbonated soft drinks were preceded by a drink produced in Leeds around 1767. The fizzy drink...