Chapter 9 - Industrial Transformation in the North (1800-1850) Flashcards
What was the “putting-out system,” and how did it contribute to industrialization?
The putting-out system was a labor system where merchants hired farming families to perform specific tasks in the production process for a set wage. It allowed manufacturers to reduce labor costs by employing unskilled workers, paving the way for industrialization.
What role did the War of 1812 and the Embargo of 1807 play in American industrialization?
These events disrupted trade with Britain, encouraging American merchants to invest in domestic manufacturing, leading to the growth of industrial centers like those developed by Francis Cabot Lowell.
Who was Samuel Slater, and what was his contribution to industrialization?
Samuel Slater was a British mechanic who brought knowledge of water-powered textile mills to the U.S., establishing the first successful cotton mill in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in the 1790s.
What was the Lowell system, and how did it change factory work?
The Lowell system centralized production in mills, employed young women, and created company-owned boarding houses. It introduced mechanized, specialized labor but eventually led to worker protests due to deteriorating conditions.
How did industrialization affect artisans and skilled workers?
Industrialization led to the deskilling of artisanal labor, as factories broke down production into specialized tasks performed by unskilled wage workers instead of master craftsmen.
What were some major industries that developed alongside textiles during this period?
Other industries that mechanized included shoemaking, leather tanning, papermaking, clockmaking, and gun manufacturing.
What was the impact of the transportation revolution on industrialization?
Improved transportation, including roads, canals, and railroads, facilitated the movement of goods and labor, reducing costs and linking industrial centers with agricultural markets.
What was the Working Men’s Party, and what did it advocate for?
The Working Men’s Party was a political group that opposed the exploitation of workers, calling for property redistribution, the abolition of imprisonment for debt, and voting rights for all, including women and people of color.
What was the labor theory of value, and why was it significant?
The labor theory of value argued that the profits from goods produced by workers should be equitably distributed among them rather than heavily favoring factory owners.
How did industrialization contribute to class divisions in the North?
The rise of industry created distinct economic classes, including the industrial elite, the middle class, and the working class, each with differing views on labor, temperance, and social mobility.
