In the late 18th century the Industrial revolution began to transform life in Britain. Until then,most people lived in the countryside and made their living from farming. By the mid-19th century most people in Britain lived in towns and made their living from mining or manufacturing industies. In 1972 a man named Thomas Newcomen (1663-1729) made priitve steam engines for pumping water from mines. In 1769 James (1736-1819) patented a more effficient steam engine. In 1785 his engine was adapted to driving machinery in a cotton factory. The use of steam engines to drive machines slowly transformed industry. Meanwhile, during the 17000s Britain built up a great overseas empire. The North American colonies were lost after the War of Independence 1776-1783. On the other hand, after the Seven years War 1756-1763, Britain captures Canada and India, Brtain also took Dominica, Grenda St. Vincent and Tobago in the West Indies,In 1707