Factory System

Definition

The factory system is a method of manufacturing that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the concentration of production processes in a single location, utilizing machinery and division of labor to increase efficiency. This system allowed for mass production and a significant shift in how goods were produced, moving away from traditional artisanal methods to mechanized production lines.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The factory system drastically reduced production times and costs, allowing for the mass production of goods at lower prices.
2. One of the earliest examples of the factory system can be seen in the textile industry, where machines like the spinning jenny and power loom revolutionized fabric production.
3. Workers in factories often faced harsh conditions, including long hours, low wages, and unsafe environments, leading to labor movements advocating for workers' rights.
4. The rise of the factory system contributed to urbanization, as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work in these new manufacturing centers.
5. The factory system also led to the rise of consumer culture, as mass-produced goods became widely available and affordable to a larger segment of the population.

Review Questions

• How did the factory system change the nature of work during the Industrial Revolution?
  • The factory system transformed work by centralizing production processes and employing division of labor. This meant that instead of artisans crafting goods individually, many workers focused on specific tasks within a larger assembly line. This shift not only increased efficiency but also changed the workforce dynamics, as many people moved to urban centers seeking employment in factories, leading to significant social and economic changes.
• Evaluate the social implications of the factory system on workers and their living conditions.
  • The factory system had profound social implications for workers, who often endured long hours in dangerous conditions for minimal pay. The rapid industrialization and urbanization that accompanied this system led to overcrowded cities and inadequate housing. Workers' rights became a significant issue as movements emerged to address labor exploitation, prompting reforms that aimed to improve working conditions and establish labor laws.
• Assess the impact of the factory system on global trade and economic structures in the 19th century.
  • The factory system had a major impact on global trade and economic structures in the 19th century by facilitating mass production of goods that could be exported around the world. This surge in production not only transformed domestic economies but also created a more interconnected global market. The ability to produce cheaper goods led to increased competition among nations and reshaped economic relationships, driving industrial powers to seek raw materials from colonies while exporting manufactured products back into those markets.

Related terms

Division of Labor: The separation of tasks in a production process, where each worker is assigned a specific task, which increases efficiency and productivity.

Industrialization: The transition from agrarian economies to industrial economies, marked by the growth of factories and increased production through machinery.

Mechanization: The process of using machines to perform tasks that were previously done by hand, leading to faster production and reduced labor costs.