What term refers to the transition from hand or animal labor to machine use?

The transition from hand or animal labor to machine use is best defined by the term "mechanization." Mechanization specifically refers to the use of machinery to automate tasks that were previously accomplished through manual labor or with the assistance of animals. This concept was fundamental to the Industrial Revolution, as it revolutionized industries by increasing efficiency, productivity, and the scale of production.

By employing machines for tasks such as spinning, weaving, and manufacturing, labor that once required significant human effort became quicker and less expensive. This transition was not merely about the introduction of new tools; it represented a profound change in methods of production and the organization of labor, leading to the establishment of factories and the later development of modern economies.

While terms like automatization and technological advancement relate to the broader context of industrial progress, mechanization is the specific term that directly addresses the shift in labor practices from manual to machine-based systems. Industrialization encompasses the overall process and societal changes that result from such mechanization, but mechanization itself pinpoints the core transition.