The Industrial Revolution

What was it? The industrial revolution was an introduction of new technology in America. Machines were developed and took the place of many hand tools. Much of the power provided by horses and power now was replaced by flowing water and steam engines. This revolution changed the way people lived and worked.

Where did it come from? It began in England in the textile industry. When new cloth spinning machines were invented, people could spin much faster and more efficiently than they had been doing by hand. This introduced the FACTORY SYSTEM: a workplace that brings workers and machines together in one place to complete a job. Instead of working in their homes to spin cloth, they had to go to the factory at certain hour to complete their work: thus the work day was created. These Factories would become a good investment for capitalists. More production = more profit $$.

Steam Power In 1790 the first steam powered textile plant was built. Steam engined were a reliable source of power. These steam engine could be built anywhere in a city, not just next to the riverbank.

How did it come to America? Britain tried to hide their technology for fear that other countries would steal the information to profit from it. A British skilled factory worker decided to immigrate to the US and had a plan to bring the information he knew to American soil. Once the idea was shared it caught on and the first textile factory was built in Rhode Island.

Technological success! Industrialization began after the factory idea took off and was successful Not only did the Americans take the British ideas but they built upon them to improve them and even introduced the concept of a boarding house for factory workers that would provide education, housing, and a community for the working class. Americans experimented with Mass Production as well: the fast manufacturing of large numbers of identical goods. This changed the way craftspeople were needed. As interchangeable parts were introduced and many goods were no longer made by hand, but by machine.

Negative effects of this new factory system As people relied on being able to get more goods quickly, US factories grew Sadly many children were put to work in factories where they had no access to education or socialization. Instead they were forced to work 8 hours in bad conditions. Working conditions were appalling with poor light, lack of fresh air, long 10-14 hour workdays, and many workers got injured or sick. People were not supported or given financial support when they fell ill so they were forced to continue working no matter what.