The Textile Industry During the Industrial Revolution

Introduction

The Industrial Revolution began in England in the 1700s.
England, as a colonial power, used its colonies for resources (silk, tobacco, sugar, gold, cotton) and provided them with finished products (textiles, metalware).
England controlled a significant portion of international trade during this time.

Textiles were produced by hand in a system known as the cottage industry.
Production was unproductive and slow, as materials were taken to homes and collected after completion.

Key Inventions:
- Hargreaves' Spinning Jenny
- Richard Arkwright's Water Frame
- Boulton and Watt Steam Engine
These innovations improved thread quality and production speed.

The textile industry was primarily based in Britain until the 1780s.
Samuel Slater brought English technology to the United States.
Technological advancements like Eli Whitney's cotton gin increased production efficiency in the US by separating seeds from cotton quickly.
Francis Cabot Lowell introduced the power loom and factory concepts to the US, establishing the first factory converting raw cotton to cloth in one location.

The Industrial Revolution changed the population distribution, with more people moving to cities from rural areas by 1850.
Rise of the Middle Class: The economic changes contributed to the development of a new social class.
Women's Workforce Participation:
- Women were introduced to the workforce, particularly in textile factories like those started by Francis Cabot Lowell.
- Offered cheap labor and sought independence, exemplified by the "Lowell girls."

The Industrial Revolution laid the foundation for many aspects of modern society and business, influencing population dynamics, social structures, and industrial processes.

This lecture is part of a five-part series on the evolution of the textile industry.