American Factories

724 Words2 Pages

American factories began to develop during the industrial revolution. The factory finally emerged fully in the nineteenth- century. The industry was stocked with machines that were aimed at developing the industry at a fast rate. Many of the machines could move on their own controlled by a large wheel that was often placed at their base. As the nation continued to experience revolution of its machines, it also continued work on its infrastructure. In the half of the nineteenth century, the railroad network widened and the mechanizing of many complicated crafts erupted hence the deepening of mechanization in American society, which is more advantageous than disadvantageous.
Mechanization was a great challenge to many American workers who depended on being employed (Fleisig, 1976). The introduction to machines led to many of the workers laid off. In addition, the machines required skilled people who could raise high production. However, mechanization in America was more advantageous than disadvantageous. The industrial revolution brought out the industrialization of society in three aspects: mechanization, the division of labor and specialization (Goldin & Sokoloff, 1984). The three aspects used by the industrialization played a big role in creating a modern industrial society. This was emphasized by the vision to have mass production in America. The mechanization movement greatly impacted the manner in which people worked. For instance, the implementation of the assembly line in factories created more jobs for people even though the machines took some away.
Mechanization in America had various fundamental principles: reduction of work to simple labor, standardization, constraint and continuity. These are the main principles b...

... middle of paper ...

...n per hour. This was helpful to various people hence a changed social life of the workers. By 1900, the demand for skilled workers decreased hence both women and children got employments due to assembly lines. Some job sectors such as secretarial and sales positions were all occupied by women.
In conclusion, though mechanization in American led to many workers loosing their jobs, it also developed many different jobs in America. Transport in America was advanced where shipping could easily be done. Production also grew and the textile industry was developed due to the use of machines. In addition, the American reputation also grew where they could be entrusted with their standardized parts. This guaranteed the consumers that all the assembled parts could fit one another. In that essence, the mechanization era had numerous benefits in America and its population.

Open Document