The Coming Up of the Factory
The section delves into the emergence of factories and the broader context of industrialisation in England, particularly in the cotton industry. It outlines how, prior to the establishment of factories in the 1730s, a proto-industrial system already existed, characterized by large-scale production in rural areas, driven by merchants who contracted local artisans and peasants to produce goods for international markets.
By the late 18th century, factories began to proliferate, marking a transformation in the production process from individual household production to consolidated manufacturing under one roof. This shift was exemplified by innovations in technology that increased production efficiency. The uptick in cotton imports, from 2.5 million pounds in 1760 to an astonishing 22 million by 1787, underscored the growing importance of cotton as a key commodity driving industrialisation.
Major technological advancements during this period, including inventions like Richard Arkwright's cotton mills, revolutionized the production process. Factories centralized different stages of production, leading to better quality control and labor management, ultimately creating a distinct industrial landscape in Britain. Additionally, the section raises critical questions regarding the social implications of this new industrial age and the extent to which industrialisation was indeed synonymous with progress and development.