Machines: Are They Helpful Or Too Much Trouble? The historiography and various phases of the Industrial Revolution were very important. Population increase and the expansion of capital, credit and commerce were one of the phases. The role of entrepreneurs, workers and inventions in boosting production were another phase. Textiles, coal, transport and public services started becoming of value to people. The social consequences included women and children working in factories and mines. Hard living conditions, crowded rooms, and many diseases. There were many positive effects, new inventions,