article # 1 Flashcards
the evolution of the textile industry:
When did humans start wearing clothes, marking the origins of the textile industry?
Between 500,000 and 100,000 years ago.
What was the Silk Road, and why was it significant?
The Silk Road was a network of trade routes established between 100 and 200 BCE, connecting the Chinese and Roman Empires. It was significant for trading goods like silk and spreading culture, ideas, and religions.
How did the Industrial Revolution change textile production?
it introduced technologies like the spinning jenny, water frame, and steam engine, which greatly increased production speed and efficiency.
Who was Samuel Slater, and what was his role in the textile industry?
Samuel Slater brought British textile technology to the United States in the 1780s, contributing to the growth of the U.S. textile industry.
What were the societal impacts of the Industrial Revolution on the workforce?
It led to urban migration, the rise of the middle class, and the entry of women into the workforce, particularly in textile factories.
What percentage of textile industry revenue was considered fair trade as of 2007?
Only 0.5% of the revenue was considered fair trade or environmentally sustainable.
What is the current global economic impact of the textile industry?
The textile industry generates $450 billion annually and employs over 25 million people worldwide.
How do sweatshops contribute to the economies of developing countries?
Sweatshops provide a source of stable income and employment, crucial for economic stability in countries like Cambodia and Bangladesh, despite the harsh conditions.
What are homeworkers in the textile industry?
Homeworkers are subcontracted employees who produce textiles from their homes, often paid on a per-piece basis. This is common in places like China and Latin America.
How did Francis Cabot Lowell contribute to the U.S. textile industry?
He brought the power loom and factory systems to the U.S., leading to the first integrated factory where raw cotton could be turned into cloth in one location.
