Factory Systems

Definition

Factory systems refer to the method of manufacturing that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by the centralized production of goods in large buildings called factories. This system replaced the traditional artisan and cottage industries, allowing for mass production and increased efficiency through the use of machinery and division of labor. The rise of factory systems significantly transformed economic structures and labor practices, leading to urbanization and changes in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Factory systems were pivotal in increasing production speeds and reducing costs, making goods more accessible to a larger population.
2. The introduction of machinery in factories led to significant changes in labor, with many workers moving from skilled artisan roles to unskilled factory jobs.
3. Factory systems contributed to the growth of cities, as workers relocated to urban areas where factories were located, leading to rapid urbanization.
4. The factory system often involved long working hours, low wages, and poor working conditions, sparking early labor movements and calls for reform.
5. The rise of factory systems played a critical role in the global economy, influencing trade patterns and leading to increased competition among industrial nations.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of factory systems change traditional manufacturing practices?
  • The emergence of factory systems marked a shift from traditional manufacturing practices, where goods were produced by skilled artisans or in small workshops. Factories centralized production in large buildings, utilizing machinery and a division of labor that allowed for mass production. This change significantly increased efficiency and output while lowering costs, making products more widely available than ever before.
• In what ways did factory systems contribute to urbanization during the Industrial Revolution?
  • Factory systems played a major role in urbanization as they required a large labor force concentrated in specific locations. Many workers moved from rural areas to cities in search of jobs in factories, leading to rapid population growth in urban centers. This influx of people contributed to the expansion of cities and necessitated changes in infrastructure, housing, and public services to accommodate the growing population.
• Evaluate the social implications of factory systems on workers during the Industrial Revolution and how they led to movements for reform.
  • The social implications of factory systems on workers were profound. Many factory workers faced long hours, low wages, and hazardous working conditions, which sparked discontent and led to early labor movements advocating for better rights and reforms. Workers organized strikes and formed unions to fight for improvements such as shorter workdays, better pay, and safer environments. These movements laid the groundwork for labor rights as we understand them today, highlighting the need for regulation and protection for workers in industrial settings.

Related terms

Industrialization:

The process by which an economy transforms from agrarian to one based on the manufacturing of goods.

Division of Labor: The assignment of different parts of a manufacturing process or task to different people to improve efficiency.

Urbanization:

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