The Factory System's Role in Industrial Development after 1780
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‘The factory system was the main reason for the rapid development of industry after 1780.
ESSAY
The rapid development of industry after 1780 can be attributed in large part to the rise of the factory system. Factories revolutionized the way goods were produced, leading to economies of scale and increased efficiency in mass production. This surge in production accelerated industrial growth, with the industrial production growth rate reaching an impressive three to four percent per annum during this time period.
One key impact of factories was the need for a labor force to work within them. This demand for workers encouraged migration from rural areas to urban centers where factories were located, leading to urbanization. The concentration of population in these urban areas boosted the demand for goods, thus stimulating an increase in manufacturing output. Factories not only generated goods but also required vast amounts of raw materials, sparking a growth in international trade. For example, the cotton industry saw a significant increase in production from 15.9 million lbs in the 1780s to 927.8 million lbs by the 1850s.
Additionally, the transportation of goods became essential, leading to advancements in the transport sector such as roads, canals, railways, and steamships. The need for energy sources like coal to power factories also drove further developments in the coal industry. Other industries like iron and steel flourished as they provided the materials needed for factory machinery, railways, and steam engines.
However, while the factory system played a significant role in the rapid industrial development, other factors were equally important in driving this growth. Innovations and inventions were encouraged by a laissez-faire governmental approach, leading to technological advancements that further boosted industrialization. Additionally, the weak enforcement of labor laws in places like Birmingham and Sheffield facilitated the recruitment of a mass workforce.
Improvements in transport infrastructure and the development of the steam engine also played crucial roles in supporting industrial growth. Moreover, factors such as access to banking and capital raising facilities, as well as the support of the Royal Navy for importing and exporting goods, were essential for sustaining industrial development.
In conclusion, while the factory system was indeed a major catalyst for the rapid development of industry after 1780, it was supported by a web of interconnected factors such as technological innovations, transportation developments, labor force availability, and access to resources and markets. The success of industrialization during this period can be attributed to the symbiotic relationship between these different elements, with each factor contributing to the overall growth of the industry.
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"The factory system was the main reason for the rapid development of industry after 1780." To what extent do you agree?
**Indicative content:**
Decennial: Lasting for, or relating to, a period of ten years.
Factories facilitated economies of scale in mass-produced goods and introduced new technology for accelerating production. After 1780, the growth rate of industrial production was three to four per cent per annum. Factories required a labour force to work in them which encouraged migration and led to urbanisation. This increasing concentration of population led to a growth in the demand for goods. This stimulated an increase in manufacturing output. Factories need to receive increasing amounts of raw materials, creating a growth in international trade. The decennial average for cotton was 15.9m lbs in the 1780s and was 927.8m lbs in the 1850s. Once produced the goods needed to be transported, leading to developments in transport (roads/canals/railways/steamships).
There was an increase in the demand for coal to be supplied, which was further stimulated using steam-powered machinery in the factories. Other industries such as iron and steel developed, as they provided the materials for the factory machinery, railway locomotion and steam engines for ships. The growth of international trade created a growth in ports, such as Liverpool, as imports of raw materials to and exports of manufactured goods from factories flowed through their docks.
The primacy of factories can be questioned. The governmental approach of ‘laissez-faire’ meant that inventions and innovation were encouraged. Governments were lax in upholding various statutes restricting trade, such as apprenticeships. Therefore, places such as Birmingham and Sheffield operated in almost conditions of free labour, as weak enforcement of labour laws ensured easier recruitment of a mass-workforce. The lack of internal tolls and tariffs made Britain, at the time, the largest integrated market in Europe. Agricultural developments meant the labour force could be supplied with sufficient food to sustain the population in these growing urban centres. The need to move these foodstuffs in bulk acted as a stimulant to developments in transport. Access to banking and capital raising facilities enabled industry to develop. The Royal Navy ensured that Britain could import and export goods to sustain industrial development.
Candidates may also develop the idea of other factors being equally or more important like improvements in transport or development of the steam engine or the creation of a raft of new inventions. The best responses might recognise that all factors were mutually supportive. Accept any other valid responses.