Textiles (1): Cotton Background Flashcards
How did cotton spread to Europe?
- Greece
- Alexander the Great invading India
- Columbus in the Bahamas
- Muslims bring it to Spain
How did cotton spread to America?
In 1600s it was grown in Virginia using slaves
What were Europe and India’s trades like? Why was their supply limited?
India had large supply that they traded for gold. Supply limited by price and technology.
How did the EIC colonize cotton?
Took from India, processed in UK, sold in India for cheaper than Indian sellers.
What were the limitations in cotton production before any inventions?
Limited factories, combing for seeds, spun. Relied on manual labour.
Name 4 innovations that industrialized cotton?
“The Spinning Jenny” by James Hargreaves in 1764 for spinning.
Water power frame by Richard Arkwright in 1768.
“Power Loom” by Edmund Cartwright in 1785 for weaving.
Boulton and Watt’s steam engine (1800s)
Why did people have a negative reaction to Arkwright’s water power making the process faster?
One person could do the job of many. People were losing jobs to machines. Mob destroyed his factories in 1768.
What invention sped up process of making cotton?
Cotton Gin by Eli Whitney - removed seeds quickly. One person did the job of many
Who dominated the cotton industry?
Britain, despite not growing cotton (colonies).
What ethical problems existed with cotton? Which Act tried helping?
Women and children for labour. 1833 Factory Act banned children under 9 but was unregulated
How did UK safeguard its secrets from the US?
Had a big advantage from its technology and skilled workers - made it illegal to export this.
How did the US get the UK’s technology anyways? Who is an example (spies)?
Francis Cabot Lowell memorized Cartwright loom.
What was Lowell’s Mills?
Founded in 1820s employing 8,000 mill girls.
How did mill girls respond to wage cuts and long hours? Who took their place?
Went on strike in 1845. Laws were passed but ignored. Eventually Irish immigrants took their place.
What was the US’s and UK’s opinion on slavery?
Sven Beckert mentioned its important role. US thought slavery was needed for cotton, UK understood it was wrong and unstable.
