Factory system

Definition

The factory system is a method of manufacturing that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, characterized by the concentration of production processes in a centralized location and the use of machinery to increase efficiency. This system transformed traditional artisanal production by bringing together labor, materials, and machines under one roof, enabling mass production and reducing costs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The factory system allowed for faster production times, leading to lower prices for goods and increased availability for consumers.
2. It played a crucial role in the economic growth during the Industrial Revolution, contributing to urbanization as people moved to cities for factory jobs.
3. The introduction of machinery reduced the reliance on skilled artisans, leading to a shift in labor dynamics and the rise of unskilled workers.
4. Working conditions in factories were often poor, with long hours and unsafe environments, prompting early labor movements advocating for workers' rights.
5. The factory system facilitated global trade as countries began to produce goods on a larger scale, influencing international markets and economic relationships.

Review Questions

• How did the factory system change the nature of labor compared to traditional artisanal methods?
  • The factory system drastically changed labor by shifting from individual artisanal production to a centralized model where tasks were divided among many workers. In traditional methods, artisans were skilled individuals who crafted goods from start to finish. With the factory system, labor became specialized; workers focused on specific tasks within a larger production process. This not only increased efficiency but also meant that fewer skills were needed for each job, impacting job security and worker identity.
• Evaluate the economic impacts of the factory system on urbanization during the Industrial Revolution.
  • The factory system significantly accelerated urbanization as it drew people from rural areas to cities in search of work. Factories required a large workforce, which led to the development of urban centers filled with laborers. This shift not only changed demographics but also transformed economic structures; cities became hubs of production and commerce, leading to increased investments in infrastructure and services. However, this rapid urban growth also brought challenges such as overcrowding and inadequate living conditions.
• Assess how the factory system influenced global trade patterns in the 19th century.
  • The factory system fundamentally altered global trade patterns by enabling mass production, which allowed countries to produce goods at an unprecedented scale. This increase in output meant that surplus products could be exported to international markets, creating new trading relationships and dependencies. Countries that adopted the factory system gained economic advantages, leading to shifts in power dynamics as industrialized nations became dominant players in global commerce. As a result, the fabric of international trade was woven tighter through increased interdependence among nations.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution: A period of significant technological advancement that began in the late 18th century, leading to the rise of factories and new manufacturing processes.

Mass production: The production of large quantities of goods using standardized processes and assembly lines, often associated with the factory system.

Labor specialization: The division of labor into specific tasks within the factory system, allowing workers to become more efficient by focusing on a single aspect of production.