Factory system

Definition

The factory system is a method of manufacturing that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, where goods are produced in large quantities in a centralized location using mechanized processes and a division of labor. This system marked a significant shift from traditional handcraft production to mass production, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The factory system greatly increased production speed, allowing for goods to be manufactured at a scale never before seen.
2. Factories became the center of employment for many people, leading to the rapid growth of cities as workers moved to urban areas in search of jobs.
3. Child labor was prevalent in factories, as children were often employed due to their ability to perform tasks at lower wages compared to adults.
4. The factory system contributed to the rise of a distinct working class, who faced long hours, low pay, and poor working conditions in many cases.
5. Technological innovations such as the steam engine and power looms were crucial in enabling the factory system to function effectively.

Review Questions

• How did the factory system alter traditional methods of production during the Industrial Revolution?
  • The factory system transformed traditional methods of production by centralizing manufacturing processes in large facilities that utilized machinery and specialized labor. Unlike earlier production methods where goods were handcrafted in small workshops or homes, the factory system allowed for mass production. This shift led to increased efficiency and output but also changed labor dynamics, as workers became part of a larger workforce focused on repetitive tasks rather than skilled craftsmanship.
• What impact did the rise of the factory system have on urbanization and the formation of the working class?
  • The rise of the factory system significantly fueled urbanization as people flocked to cities for employment opportunities in factories. This migration resulted in the rapid growth of urban centers, which became hubs of industrial activity. Consequently, this shift also gave rise to a distinct working class, characterized by their shared experiences of long working hours, low wages, and poor living conditions. The concentration of workers in urban areas led to social changes and movements advocating for better labor rights and living standards.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the factory system on society and its contribution to modern economic structures.
  • The factory system had profound long-term effects on society, laying the groundwork for modern economic structures characterized by mass production and consumerism. It shifted economies toward industrial capitalism and contributed to the creation of labor laws aimed at improving working conditions. Furthermore, the emphasis on mechanization and efficiency set the stage for technological advancements that continue to influence manufacturing today. The legacy of the factory system can be seen in contemporary global supply chains and economic systems that prioritize productivity and mass output.

Related terms

Industrial Revolution:

A period of significant industrial growth and technological advancement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which transformed economies from agrarian to industrial.

Division of Labor: The separation of tasks in the production process, where each worker specializes in a specific task, leading to greater efficiency and faster production times.

Urbanization:

The process by which an increasing percentage of a population moves from rural areas to urban areas, often driven by job opportunities in factories.