What was the Factory System?

The Factory System was a transformative method of production that revolutionized the way goods were manufactured during the Industrial Revolution. This system integrated both workers and machinery within a centralized location, significantly increasing efficiency and output. Factories brought together large numbers of laborers who operated machines that were often too large or complex for individual use, enhancing productivity and enabling mass production of goods.

This system marked a shift away from traditional handicraft and cottage industries, where artisans produced goods in their own homes or small workshops. By consolidating labor and machinery, the Factory System allowed for a continuous workflow and greater specialization of tasks among workers, leading to faster production times and lowered costs.

While other options touch on different production methods, they remain distinct from the Factory System's reliance on combining labor and machinery in a singular location, which defined the industrial era's approach to manufacturing.