Factory systems refer to the organization and operation of large-scale manufacturing facilities where goods are produced using machinery and division of labor.
The factory system emerged during the Industrial Revolution, which began in Great Britain in the late 18th century. It represents a shift from artisanal production and home-based industries to a centralized form of production that relies on complex machinery and a labor force working under one roof. Key figures like Richard Arkwright, who pioneered the use of water-powered spinning frames, played significant roles in the establishment of early factories.
The factory system revolutionized manufacturing by allowing for mass production, which significantly lowered costs and made goods more accessible. This system catalyzed urbanization as workers moved to cities for employment, fundamentally transforming societal structures and economies. The rise of factories also led to changes in labor laws and relations, prompting movements for workers' rights due to often poor working conditions. Over time, it paved the way for modern capitalism and influenced global trade patterns.