Factory System and Free Enterprise

Industrial Revolution Began in England in the 18 th Century Very limited American Manufacturing in the 18 th century Technology innovations created a shift toward large-scale production

Industrial Revolution Spinning jenny Produces many spools of yarn Power loom Wove & pressed thread into cloth Water frame –Powers machines in factories Advances made it possible for many unskilled workers to produce cloth –Especially children

Free Enterprise and Factories Samuel Slater –Built first successful water-powered textile mill in America Workers and machines together under one roof Most built near water source for power People leave farms to work in factories for wages on a set schedule

Free Enterprise and Factories New England –ideal setting for growth of American factories Land was not conducive to farming, –people willing to work in factories Many fast moving rivers Near ocean/ports

Free Enterprise –Minimum government interference –Competition, profit, private property, & economic freedom Many people invested in industry during the War of 1812 Businessmen built factories and grew wealthy Free Enterprise and Factories

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Impact on Cities Industrial cities grew the quickest –Most on rivers –Needed water power –New England had many fast- flowing rivers City disadvantages –Waste disposal was an issue –Fires were a constant threat –Overcrowded living conditions City advantages –Libraries, museums, shops –Jobs & attractions outweighed the dangers