MGMT 1035 Week 10 (1)

Question 1

What does a T-shirt represent in the context of cotton’s history?

Answer 1

A T-shirt represents many aspects of cotton’s history, is a universal item almost everyone owns, is generally inexpensive, and its manufacturing ethics can be controversial.

Question 2

When was cotton first used in South and Central America?

Answer 2

Archaeological evidence shows cotton use in South and Central America as early as 5000 B.C.E.

Question 3

What was the primary fabric used in ancient Egypt?

Answer 3

In ancient Egypt, cotton was known, but linen was the primary fabric used.

Question 4

How did cotton reach Europe?

Answer 4

Cotton reached Europe through trade and war, similar to silk.

Question 5

What did Herodotus describe about cotton?

Answer 5

Herodotus described cotton as a wool surpassing sheep’s wool in beauty and quality.

Question 6

What role did Muslim traders play in the spread of cotton?

Answer 6

Muslim traders and later conquerors spread cotton spinning and use to Spain and Sicily.

Question 7

What did Columbus find in the Bahamas?

Answer 7

Columbus found cotton in the Bahamas, used by natives for clothing; he admired the colors.

Question 8

When was cotton first grown in Virginia?

Answer 8

Cotton was grown in Virginia by the early 1610s.

Question 9

What was the impact of the British East India Company on cotton?

Answer 9

The British East India Company (BEIC) began importing cotton in the 1690s, and as its power grew, it exported processed cotton back to India.

Question 10

What were the limitations of cotton production?

Answer 10

Cotton production was limited by factors such as the need to comb cotton to remove seeds, spin fibers into thread, and loom threads to make fabric.

Question 11

What innovation did Richard Arkwright introduce?

Answer 11

Richard Arkwright introduced a water-powered system for stronger thread production, essential for industrial cotton production.

Question 12

What did Reverend Edmund Cartwright patent?

Answer 12

Reverend Edmund Cartwright patented a powered loom in 1785, enabling faster weaving.

Question 13

What was the significance of Eli Whitney’s cotton gin?

Answer 13

Eli Whitney’s invention of the cotton gin increased processing speed and yield, addressing the need for more cotton.

Question 14

What was the cotton cloth output in 1796?

Answer 14

Cotton cloth output was 21 million yards in 1796.

Question 15

What did the 1833 Factory Act accomplish?

Answer 15

The 1833 Factory Act banned children under nine from working in textile factories and limited work hours for children aged nine to thirteen.

Question 16

What was the significance of cotton in America’s economy by the 1850s?

Answer 16

By the 1850s, cotton accounted for over 50% of U.S. exports.

Question 17

What was the impact of the U.S. Civil War on the cotton market?

Answer 17

The Civil War disrupted the cotton market, causing England to lose access to American cotton and turn to India and the Middle East.

Question 18

What happened at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory?

Answer 18

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911, killed 146 garment workers.

Question 19

What occurred at Rana Plaza in 2013?

Answer 19

The Rana Plaza building collapse in Bangladesh killed 1134 people and sparked a debate about consumer and merchant responsibility.

Question 20

Why were Indian textiles banned by the British?

Answer 20

The British imposed restrictions on Indian textiles to secure economic, political, and cultural dominance over India during colonial rule.

Question 21

What were the economic interests behind the British ban on Indian textiles?

Answer 21

Britain sought to protect its growing textile industry during the Industrial Revolution by ensuring a steady supply of raw cotton from India.

Question 22

How did fast fashion originate?

Answer 22

Fast fashion has roots tracing back to the 1800s and the Industrial Revolution with the invention of the sewing machine.

Question 23

What brands became pioneers in the fast fashion industry?

Answer 23

Brands like H&M and Zara became pioneers in the fast fashion sector, offering affordable, quickly produced clothing.

Question 24

What was the impact of the American Civil War on cotton production?

Answer 24

The Civil War disrupted the cotton supply, leading to a ‘cotton famine’ and pushing manufacturers to find alternative labor systems.