Factory System

Definition

The Factory System is a method of manufacturing that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the use of machinery and the organization of labor in a single location to produce goods on a large scale. This system replaced the traditional cottage industry where goods were made at home, leading to greater efficiency and productivity. The Factory System became a fundamental part of the Market Revolution, transforming the way goods were produced and impacting society's structure and economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Factory System led to a significant increase in production speed and output, which was crucial for meeting the growing demand for consumer goods during the 19th century.
2. Factories employed a large number of workers, often including women and children, who worked long hours under harsh conditions for low wages.
3. The shift to the Factory System contributed to the growth of cities, as people moved from rural areas to urban centers for work.
4. Technological innovations, such as the steam engine and mechanized looms, played a key role in advancing the Factory System and improving manufacturing processes.
5. The Factory System also changed labor relations, leading to the rise of labor unions as workers sought better conditions, pay, and hours.

Review Questions

• How did the Factory System alter traditional labor practices and what were its implications for workers?
  • The Factory System fundamentally changed traditional labor practices by centralizing production in large facilities equipped with machinery, which required a different skill set compared to home-based work. Workers, including many women and children, were now part of a regimented workforce that operated machines under strict supervision. This shift resulted in longer working hours, lower wages, and often unsafe working conditions, prompting workers to seek collective action through labor unions to advocate for their rights.
• Discuss the relationship between the Factory System and urbanization during the Industrial Revolution.
  • The Factory System was a driving force behind urbanization during the Industrial Revolution as it created numerous job opportunities in cities. As factories proliferated, they attracted workers from rural areas who were seeking employment in manufacturing. This migration led to rapid city growth, transforming social structures as populations concentrated in urban environments. Urban areas became hubs of economic activity but also faced challenges such as overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure.
• Evaluate the broader economic and social impacts of the Factory System on American society in the 19th century.
  • The Factory System had profound economic impacts on American society in the 19th century by fostering mass production, reducing costs for consumers, and enabling increased access to goods. Socially, it contributed to class divisions between factory owners and workers while altering family dynamics as more women and children entered the workforce. Additionally, it ignited movements for labor rights and reforms aimed at improving working conditions. The emergence of this system laid the groundwork for modern industrial capitalism and shaped societal values regarding work and community.

Related terms

Industrialization:

The process of developing industries in a country or region on a wide scale, leading to increased production and economic growth.

Cottage Industry: A system of production where goods are made in individual homes or small workshops, typically involving handcrafting and local resources.

Urbanization:

The increasing population concentration in urban areas as a result of migration from rural areas, often driven by job opportunities in factories.