Question

Humans have existed on Earth let's suppose from 1 AD to till now. But what was the reason behind massive scientific progress during the only last two centuries ? Why is it that no significant scientific progress was made in earlier centuries ?

Answer 1

First of all the question is only partially correct...

It was not all of a sudden that the progress occurred...
It's only true to say that 'The Industrial Revolution' has evolved dynamically for the past 4 centuries...

Humans existed on this Earth abt 1.5 million years ago....
Since then all the development had took place... Sounds strange or unbelievable???
Yup true...
He invented tools to hunt animals, he used dress(for not covering his private parts but only as a protection against the harsh weather)

Almost more than half of the metals that we use today in our daily life(for eg like:Iron, Copper) were discovered in the pre-historic times....

It's strange to note that before 2000 years ago Aryabhatta had measured the length of an year more accurately....
In terms of education, our country was the best in the world before 1500-2000 years ago... It's also interesting to note that at that time even people from Greece reached here, Nalanda and Thakshashila to study....

I think by 17th century, the industrial revolution began to sprout out in Europe.... Surely it could have been possible only bcz of our ancestors and we can't wholly credit the people of 17th century for that leap...

As the era of industries began, competition in the market rised forcing the manufacturers to give best quality product at a reduced rate....
And later during the mid 20th century, with the invention of semi-conductors and it's application, the software industry experienced a big boom in the late 20th century...

It's all what competition did.....and also the industrial revolution...
But it cannot be credited in whole cz....each era had a significant contribution towards the betterment of human life!!!