Textiles (2): Michigan State Materials

Question 1

What does Andrew Good believe about the origins of textile trade?

Answer 1

Started with Silk Road. Consumer tastes drive demand.

Question 2

What happened in 100-200 BC with silk? (Tyler Beck)

Answer 2

Silk was preferred but low on supply because of Chinese monopoly/secrets. Caused Black Plague.

Question 3

How did the British Industrial Revolution happen and when?

Answer 3

1700s - Used American and Asian colonies for silk tobacco, sugar, gold, cotton. Manufactured it in England.

Question 4

Who brought some UK tech to the US in 1780?

Answer 4

Samuel Slater

Question 5

How did the Industrial Revolution change the UK? (3)

Answer 5

1. Pulled 80% of people in rural areas to urban areas by 1850.
2. Rise of middle class.
3. Women seeking independence and work.

Question 6

What are sweatshops?

Answer 6

Unhealthy, exploitative, long hours, unventilated, low pay, toxic

Question 7

Why is it difficult for lower income countries to stop exploiting in textile industry (examples)?

Answer 7

Cambodia - 80% of export earnings.
Bangladesh - 75% of earnings.

Question 8

How do low income workers benefit from sweatshops? How do companies benefit?

Answer 8

Better condition than normal life. Companies have a lot of cheap labour to remain competitive.

Question 9

What’s a new practice that replaces some sweatshop workers?

Answer 9

Homeworkers - Employees creating products from home earning revenue at per-piece rate