The Industrial era

In reading these chapters, I found myself looking at all the different countries and the amazing innovations they created but noticing that the credit went continually to Europe, especiallly Brittain.  Yes Britain had the textile industry and the steam engines and coal, but other place such as India had long ago started the textile production of cotton.  India was the first place to turn sugarcane into crystallized sugar, the source of agricultural innovations and mathematical advancements.  The Islamic world was making huge strides in the ship building industry and the use of the tides and falling water to generate power, water mills, clocks, chemicals, paper making etc.  China too was a key player because they had already had water ways and Silk and ships.  Everywhere seemed to be advancing technologically but why  are the Europeans the ones to get the credit?  Well, I look back to the first pages in  The Big Picture before Chapter 17 begins.  Would history be the same if China did not withdraw their Chinese naval fleet? How would Europe have been able to dominate the Indian Ocean?   Also, what if the Native Americans were able to withstand all of the horrific diseases the Europeans brought with them that killed them off?  If they survived and had immunity against the diseases, would the Europeans have been able to take over the land? These questions were constantly in my mind as I read about the industrial revolution.  It almost seems as though the Europeans just lucked out and as fate would have it they were given the most credit.  I am not saying they weren't just as advanced as the other societies, I am just not sure they deserve the most credit.The one thing I do admire Britain for is the fact they were one of  the first to go against slavery.  They forbade sale of slaves in 1834.  Europe itself in the 18th century was turning its back on slavery which is ironic as it was once one of the largest areas for slave trade.  It just seems the European empire always continues to rule.  I think they had smart people to rule and that is how they were able to conquer and stay on top. I think one of my favorite quotes came from the German philosopher Gottfried Leibniz when he said something like " not to worry so much about getting things European to the Chinese but rather getting remarkable Chinese inventions to us".  Smart way to think in my opinion.  If you knew someone did something better, why not borrow the idea and use it? The Europeans were interested in commerce more than other countries and they were able to use that to their benefit.  They were able to build a global commerce.