Factory system

Definition

The factory system refers to a method of manufacturing that emerged during the Industrial Revolution, characterized by centralized production in large-scale facilities where laborers and machines worked together to produce goods efficiently. This system replaced the earlier cottage industries and small workshops, leading to increased productivity and a shift in labor patterns, social structures, and economic practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The factory system allowed for mass production of goods, leading to lower prices and greater availability of products in the market.
2. Factories often employed a large number of workers who were subject to strict schedules, long hours, and challenging working conditions.
3. The rise of the factory system was closely tied to innovations in technology, including machinery that increased efficiency and output.
4. This system fostered urbanization as workers moved from rural areas to cities in search of factory jobs, drastically altering demographics.
5. The factory system contributed to the emergence of new social classes, particularly the industrial working class and a wealthy factory-owning bourgeoisie.

Review Questions

• How did the factory system change labor practices compared to earlier methods of production?
  • The factory system revolutionized labor practices by centralizing production processes and introducing a more regimented work environment compared to earlier cottage industries. Workers were no longer independent producers; instead, they operated under strict schedules within large facilities. This shift led to increased productivity but also raised concerns over workers' rights due to long hours and harsh conditions.
• In what ways did the factory system influence urbanization during the Industrial Revolution?
  • The factory system significantly influenced urbanization as it required a concentrated workforce located near production sites. As factories proliferated in cities, people flocked from rural areas seeking employment. This migration resulted in rapid urban growth and the development of industrial cities, transforming social dynamics and contributing to issues such as overcrowding and poor living conditions.
• Evaluate the broader social implications of the factory system on 19th-century European society.
  • The factory system had profound social implications for 19th-century European society, creating a distinct industrial working class that faced challenging conditions while fostering a new wealthy class of factory owners. The stark contrast between these classes led to growing tensions, paving the way for social movements advocating for labor rights and reforms. Additionally, this system reshaped family dynamics as women and children joined the workforce, altering traditional roles and contributing to discussions about gender and labor rights.

Related terms

Division of Labor: The separation of tasks in a production process, allowing workers to specialize in specific tasks, which enhances efficiency and productivity.

Industrial Revolution: A period of significant economic transformation beginning in the late 18th century, marked by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized ones, featuring advancements in technology and manufacturing.

Wage Labor: A system where individuals sell their labor for a wage, which became prevalent with the rise of factories and industrial work.