Manufacturing

Definition

Manufacturing refers to the process of converting raw materials into finished goods through the use of labor, machinery, tools, and chemical or biological processing. In the context of newly independent states after 1900, manufacturing played a crucial role in economic development, helping countries to build their industrial bases and reduce reliance on agriculture or foreign imports.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many newly independent states sought to establish manufacturing industries as a means to promote economic self-sufficiency and reduce foreign dependency.
2. Governments often invested in infrastructure such as transportation networks and energy production to support the growth of manufacturing sectors.
3. Manufacturing provided employment opportunities, contributing to urbanization as people moved from rural areas to cities in search of work.
4. Some countries adopted Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) strategies to protect nascent industries from foreign competition while promoting local production.
5. The expansion of manufacturing led to changes in social structures, with emerging middle classes influencing politics and culture in many newly independent nations.

Review Questions

• How did manufacturing contribute to the economic development of newly independent states after 1900?
  • Manufacturing was pivotal for the economic development of newly independent states as it helped them transition from agrarian economies to more industrialized systems. By investing in manufacturing, these countries aimed to create jobs, boost local production, and decrease dependence on foreign imports. This shift not only promoted self-sufficiency but also laid the foundation for broader economic growth and diversification.
• Evaluate the impact of Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) on the manufacturing sector in newly independent nations.
  • Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI) significantly impacted the manufacturing sector by encouraging governments to protect local industries through tariffs and subsidies. While ISI aimed to reduce reliance on foreign goods, it often resulted in inefficiencies as domestic producers became shielded from competition. Some countries experienced initial success in establishing manufacturing bases; however, over time, many faced challenges such as lack of innovation and reliance on outdated technologies.
• Discuss the long-term effects of manufacturing growth on social structures in newly independent states after 1900.
  • The growth of manufacturing had profound long-term effects on social structures in newly independent states. As factories emerged and urban centers developed, large populations migrated from rural areas to cities seeking employment, leading to rapid urbanization. This migration contributed to the formation of a new middle class that began to influence political dynamics and cultural norms. Over time, these changes reshaped societal values, often promoting aspirations for education, improved living standards, and greater political engagement among citizens.

Related terms

Industrialization:

The transition from agrarian economies to industrial economies, marked by the growth of factories and mass production.

Labor Movement: A social movement advocating for the rights and better working conditions of workers, often emerging in response to poor labor practices in manufacturing sectors.

Import Substitution Industrialization (ISI): An economic policy aimed at reducing foreign dependency by fostering domestic industries through protective tariffs and government support.