Industrial Revolution

The Industrial Revolution was the transition to new manufacturing processes, spanning the late 18th to the early to mid 19th century. The Industrial Revolution marked the start of, among other new inventions, machine production and improved efficiency of steam and water power.

During the timespan of the Industrial Revolution, the Templars were taking a leading role over humanity, influencing and developing many of the industrial inventions made during the revolution, most notably the emergence of capitalism.

Reference

 * Assassin's Creed Encyclopedia