DBWI: What if the industrial revolution had happened somewhere else?

[Socrates]

What would have been the effects on world affairs if the industrial revolution had started in, say, Europe rather than Japan? Seeing as most of the attempted explanations can traced back to Japan being an island nation, I am guessing Britain or Ireland would have be the most likely candidates.

One potential big difference is that China might stay together, seeing as it was trench warfare with industrial weaponry that tore it into the several states we see today...

[rule_them_all]

Ok, the idea for this thread is cool, but please people, don't talk about that James Watt guy anymore. I know it's a classic in alternate history to consider that his invention would have kickstarted the industrial revolution in Europe earlier than it happened in Japan, but his design just had too many flaws that can't be ignored. It's becoming a cliche.

[Tyr]

They say the steam engine was invented in Europe originally with Hiro of Alexandria (IIRC) but...it was a useless toy. Even assuming the steel making technology was there it would be hard to see it fitting into the slave reliant society of the time.
Even by the turn of the second millenium after the founding when the flow of slaves lessens a bit its hard to see it taking hold (again, assuming technology which wasn't there). Time ticks on and voila the Empire makes its contacts with sub-saharan Africa, almost industrialises its raids on the parts of Europe outside the empire and slavery takes off again.

Anyway. Rambling.
The point- I just don't see how a slave reliant society like that of the Empire would start the industrial revolution. Even once the advantages of modern ways became clear to the Empire they were very slow to adapt IOTL.

[Falecius]

Strictly speaking, Alexandria is not in Europe. But yes, you have a point.

[Sexplosive]

ASB. I just don't think those backward Europeans could ever Industrialize before we did!

[Beedok]

Well, they certainly would of had a way easier time what with the massive coal reserves and all. Though the widely available coal might have led to a fossil fuel dependence as alternative energy was less needed, and just think of the idea of nations being kept around just for their coal!