What economic period is characterized by increased industrial activity and the use of machinery?

The economic period characterized by increased industrial activity and the use of machinery is known as the Industrial Revolution. This transformative era began in the late 18th century and continued into the 19th century, marking a significant shift from agrarian economies, which relied heavily on manual labor and traditional crafts, to industrial economies that leveraged machine production and factory systems.

During this time, innovations such as the steam engine and spinning jenny revolutionized the manufacturing process, leading to mass production of goods. As a result, there was a dramatic increase in productivity and economic growth, which also contributed to significant changes in society, including urbanization, the rise of the working class, and altered social dynamics.

The other periods mentioned do not specifically embody the key characteristics of increased industrial activity and machinery usage; for instance, the Digital Age relates to the rise of digital technology and information, whereas the Modern Era and Post-Industrial Society focus more on advanced economies and services rather than the foundational shifts caused by industrial machinery during the Industrial Revolution.