The Factory System
History: KS3, topic 11.1.4
The Factory System
The invention of new and efficient machines led to factories springing up across Britain, in which thousands of workers would produce cotton to be exported. The hours were long and the work was gruelling.
Cromford Mill
- After inventing the water frame, Arkwright realised that he could employ lots of people to oversee the machines, and produce cotton on a much larger scale.
- In 1775 he opened Cromford Mill; it was five storeys high and he filled it with his water frames, and employed eight hundred people to work the machines.
Spread of factories
- This was the beginning of the factory system in Britain.
- Inspired by Arkwright’s factory, other entrepreneurs began to set up factories across the country.
- These factories were several storeys high, filled from top to bottom with machines powered by hundreds or thousands of workers.
Losers
- Nine hundred cotton mills had sprung up in Britain by 1800.
- This was a disaster for families who lived in rural areas and produced cotton in their home using handlooms.
Cotton trade
- However, it was a triumph for the British economy.
- Britain was producing good, cheap cotton which began to be exported across the world.
- By the 1820s, cotton made up 62% of the goods Britain exported to other countries, and Britain dominated the cotton trade.
Test yourself on The Factory System
Which machine did Arkwright invent?
Toggle until all are correct: Which are features of Cromford Mill?
How many cotton mills had sprung up in Britain by 1800?