Factory system

Definition

The factory system is a method of manufacturing that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the centralized production of goods in large facilities where workers operated machines. This system marked a significant shift from traditional handcraft and artisanal production methods, leading to increased efficiency, specialization of labor, and mass production of goods.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The factory system allowed for the mass production of goods, significantly increasing output compared to traditional methods.
2. Workers in the factory system typically operated specialized machines, leading to a focus on efficiency and speed in production.
3. Factory work often involved long hours in challenging conditions, contributing to the rise of labor movements advocating for workers' rights.
4. The factory system was a key factor in the growth of urban centers as people moved to cities for jobs in these new industrial settings.
5. Standardized parts became essential in factories, enabling easier assembly and repair, which revolutionized industries such as textiles and manufacturing.

Review Questions

• How did the factory system transform labor practices during the Industrial Revolution?
  • The factory system transformed labor practices by introducing specialized tasks that allowed workers to focus on specific functions rather than performing multiple roles. This division of labor led to greater efficiency and productivity but also resulted in monotonous work and often poor working conditions. As factories grew, they required a steady supply of labor, drawing large numbers of people into urban areas where factories were located, fundamentally changing the nature of work.
• Discuss the impact of the factory system on urbanization and social structures in the 19th century.
  • The factory system played a significant role in urbanization as it attracted large populations to cities for employment opportunities. This migration led to rapid city growth but also created challenges such as overcrowding, poor sanitation, and inadequate housing. Social structures were altered as new classes emerged, including a distinct working class that was largely composed of factory workers, which ultimately led to social movements advocating for better labor conditions and rights.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the factory system on economic structures and labor relations into the 20th century.
  • The factory system had profound long-term effects on economic structures and labor relations that extended into the 20th century. It established the foundation for modern industrial economies, promoting mass production and consumerism. Labor relations evolved with the rise of organized labor unions seeking to address grievances such as wages and working conditions. These developments laid the groundwork for contemporary labor laws and regulations aimed at protecting workers' rights, illustrating how the legacy of the factory system continues to influence economic policies today.

Related terms

Industrialization: The process by which economies transformed from agrarian to industrial, marked by the growth of factories and mechanized production.

Urbanization:

The movement of populations from rural areas to cities, often driven by job opportunities in factories during the Industrial Revolution.

Division of Labor: The separation of tasks in a manufacturing process, allowing workers to specialize in specific tasks to increase efficiency and output.