The Industrial Revolution happened from the late 1700s to the early 1800s, and it changed how we measure time. This period brought about standardization and accuracy, both important for businesses to run smoothly.

Major Changes:

1. Standard Time Zones:

   • Before this time, people measured time based on the sun in their local area, which caused a lot of confusion.
   • When trains became popular, it was crucial for everyone to have the same time. In 1847, the UK introduced the first standardized railway time, and the whole country started using Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

2. Mechanical Clocks:

   • The Industrial Revolution led to better clock-making. By the mid-1800s, Western Europe was making over 100,000 mechanical clocks every year!
   • The pendulum clock, created in the 1600s, was improved to be so accurate it could tell time within one second per day.

3. Work Hours and Factory Timekeeping:

   • As people moved from farming to working in factories, they began to have set working hours. In 1833, Factory Acts were passed to help regulate working hours, which first aimed to limit child labor to 8 hours a day.
   • Factories started to ring bells to mark the beginning and end of work shifts, creating a standard workday.

4. Improving Timekeeping Tools:

   • The chronometer, a special kind of clock, helped with navigation and transportation, especially for ships. By the 1800s, there were over 20,000 chronometers being used.

5. Cultural Changes:

   • Industrialization changed how people thought about time. The need to stick to a strict schedule showed a new focus on efficiency and getting things done.

Quick Facts:

• Time Zones Established: By 1884, an international meeting set up 24 different time zones around the world.
• Improved Accuracy: Before the revolution, clocks could be off by about 15 minutes. After improvements, they were usually only off by less than 30 seconds.

In summary, the Industrial Revolution changed how we see, organize, and use time. It helped society become more efficient, which was important for business and industry to grow.