The term describes a method of manufacturing involving the concentration of labor and machines in a single location. This arrangement, which emerged during the Industrial Revolution, contrasted sharply with earlier systems like cottage industries, where production was decentralized and often home-based. A key characteristic was the use of power-driven machinery, often powered by water or steam, to perform tasks previously done by hand. An example is the textile industry’s shift from individual weavers working at home to large-scale mills employing numerous workers and automated looms.
Its significance lies in its profound impact on economic and social structures. It facilitated mass production, leading to lower costs and increased availability of goods. This system fostered urbanization as people migrated from rural areas to seek employment in factory towns. Simultaneously, it created new social classes and altered labor relations, leading to both economic advancement and social challenges such as poor working conditions and child labor.
