What accounts for the initial breakthroughs to civilization?

The correct answer is an agricultural revolution.

Agricultural revolutions permitted communities to generate food, which would support huge populations. This permitted for the establishment of technology, like writing and reading. This provided civilizations an advantage over gather hunters.

The agricultural revolution of the 18th century created the path for the industrial revolution. Novel farming techniques and bettered livestock breeding resulted in enhanced production of food. This permitted an upsurge in population and increased health.