Production

Definition

Production refers to the process of creating goods and services that satisfy human wants and needs, often involving the use of raw materials, labor, and technology. In the context of global economic development from 1750 to 1900, production underwent significant transformations driven by industrialization, which revolutionized how goods were made and distributed, leading to a shift from agrarian economies to industrialized ones.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Industrial Revolution, starting in Britain in the late 18th century, marked a major turning point in production methods, leading to increased efficiency through machines and factory systems.
2. Key inventions such as the steam engine and spinning jenny significantly boosted production capacity and reduced reliance on manual labor.
3. The rise of factory systems centralized production processes, allowing for mass production of goods and contributing to urbanization as people moved to cities for work.
4. Production during this period was heavily influenced by the availability of raw materials and new transportation methods, like railroads, which facilitated faster movement of goods.
5. The increase in production led to new economic theories, including capitalism, which advocated for free markets and competition as driving forces behind economic growth.

Review Questions

• How did industrialization change production methods during this period?
  • Industrialization dramatically changed production methods by introducing machinery and factory systems that replaced manual labor. This shift allowed for mass production, meaning goods could be produced faster and in larger quantities than ever before. As a result, economies transitioned from agrarian-based systems to industrial ones, leading to urbanization and changes in labor dynamics.
• Discuss the relationship between capitalism and production in the context of global economic development from 1750 to 1900.
  • Capitalism played a crucial role in shaping production during this era by promoting private ownership of resources and encouraging competition among producers. This economic system motivated innovation and efficiency in production processes, as businesses sought to maximize profits. The rise of capitalist economies facilitated significant investments in factories and technologies that transformed how goods were created and distributed across global markets.
• Evaluate the impact of the labor movement on production practices during this time period.
  • The labor movement emerged as a response to the harsh conditions faced by workers in rapidly industrializing economies. By advocating for better wages, working conditions, and hours, labor movements pressured employers to improve practices within factories. This resulted in changes to production practices that not only benefited workers but also influenced how companies approached workforce management, ultimately leading to more organized labor relations and improvements in productivity.

Related terms

Industrialization:

The transition from agrarian economies to industrialized ones characterized by the growth of factories, mechanized production, and mass manufacturing.

Capitalism:

An economic system where private individuals or businesses own capital goods and are responsible for production and distribution of goods for profit.

Labor Movement: A collective effort by workers to improve their rights and conditions in the workplace, often emerging in response to the demands of industrial production.