Early mechanisation Flashcards
What is mechanization?
The process of using machinery to perform tasks that were previously done manually.
Who invented the steam engine?
Thomas Newcomen in 1712, later improved by James Watt.
What was the importance of the steam engine?
It provided an efficient and reliable source of power for factories, mines, and transportation.
What was the Spinning Jenny?
A multi-spindle spinning frame invented by James Hargreaves in 1764, which revolutionized the textile industry.
What was the water frame?
A spinning machine powered by water, invented by Richard Arkwright, which increased yarn production.
How did the power loom affect the textile industry?
Invented by Edmund Cartwright, it mechanized the process of weaving cloth, significantly increasing productivity.
What is the cotton gin, and who invented it?
A machine for separating cotton fibers from seeds, invented by Eli Whitney in 1793.
How did mechanization impact employment?
It reduced the need for manual labor in factories but also created new jobs in machine operation and maintenance.
What is the factory system?
A method of production using machinery and labor in large centralized locations, replacing the domestic system.
How did mechanization contribute to mass production?
Machines allowed for the faster and more consistent production of goods, leading to lower costs and higher output.
