The use of textiles for clothing and fabric is an ancient practice. For thousands of years, a whole skilled class of persons made their own clothing by weaving or spinning. The process was conventionally done either at home or in a small group or village. The practice of making textiles for larger populations evolved with the industrial revolution, starting in the 18th century. The industrial revolution was a time of change in many ways. the scientific revolution brought with it many new inventions and innovations, increasing production. Products were manufactured more efficently and access to goods, once reserved for the priviledged became availble to the layman. To keep up with demand, factories, companies, and trade associations formed. This resulted in sizable outputs of textiles and the production of different kinds of fibers for use. Through years of invention, tragedy, and work, the textile industry has an extensive history that has led to the fabric manufacturing that it is today.
- The Industrial Revolution: A brief explanation of the events leading to the revolution and major changes that took place.
- Early Industrialization: A page listing different inventions of the industrial revolution within the textile industry and their significance.
- The Textile Heritage Museum: A timeline of textile development from ancient to modern day.
- Industrialization: A history of the industrial revolution with specific aspects of the textile industry defined.
innovations and nventions of the industrial era allowed for quicker manufacture of textiles and higher production. The industrial revolution began in Europe with the the innovation to many aspects of life and spread these to colonies abroad such as the United States in the 18th century. Early inventions focused on processing fibers such as wool or cotton in order to be used for fabric. Inventions such as the flying shuttle in 1733 and the spinning mule in 1779 accelerated the process of spinning fibers into yarn for use. In the late 18th century, cotton mills began to grow, providing large workshops and mechanized processes that could spin fibers and weave clothing. Cotton mills were used into the early 20th century as a major component of the industrial revolution.
- Inventing the Cotton South: A discussion of the history of the mechanization of cotton production.
- Sewing Revolution: The Machine that Changed the World: An explanation of the history and development of the sewing machine.
- A Short History of Manufactured Fibers: A brief explanation of history from early attempts to commercial production.
- Early Industrialization: Information about textile manufacturing inventions.
- The Beginnings of Industrialization: The beginning of the industrial revolution, with historic inventions explained.
In the textile industry, factories were developed by assembling the machines that would produce fibers and cloth in one place. The key thing to note is that factories took the means of production out of the home and immediate communities and centralized them. Factories employed many people to work at maneuvering the machines, which provided jobs and stimulated the economy. Because of high demand for textiles, many factories became storehouses of labor, employing people to work long hours for low wages, and textile factories became known as sweatshops. Frequently, these workers consisted of young women or even children who worked for very little pay. Over time, the burdens of maintaining these conditions resulted in heavy consequences for workers and factory owners. Disastrous consequences followed the poor conditions of factory work. For example, a large fire at the Triangle Waist Company in New York City killed 146 workers in 1911, many of whom were young workers or immigrants. The fire was cited to be the result of harsh working conditions and an unsafe environment.
- Women in the Industrial Revolution in the United States: A look at the history of women and their work in textile factories during the Industrial Revolution.
- The Triangle Factory Fire: A detailed exhibit with information and background about the tragedy, presented by Cornell University.
- Global Industrialization: An exploration of the human consequences of the Industrial Revolution.
- Why a Factory?: An essay about the history of factories in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.
- The Garment Industry: A history and overview of sweatshops in the textile industry during the 18th and 19th centuries.
- The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911: A report about the New York tragedy.
- Child Labor: A history of the practice of children working in factories.
- Child Slave Labor: A history of child labor during the industrial revolution.
The advent of new synthetic products such as polyester and spandex changed some of the work of the textile industry. While traditional fabrics are still being processed, these manmade fabrics have helped the industry to evolve, providing more places to manufacture and providing jobs for more people. While textile factories still exist, the industry has evolved in the United States, with governing bodies providing laws and guidelines about working conditions and employment requirements. The problem of sweatshops has become a global ethical issue, as many of these factories are found in third world countries, which will employ people to work in harsh conditions for very little pay. There are various groups who oppose the practice, campaigning against large retailers who use overseas labor to keep up with production. The textile industry has evolved through the last two centuries, providing a means of clothing and fabric for people who once only could make these items at home. The industry has also provided jobs for millions of people, and continues to be a field of growth and change.
- More Information on Sweatshops: A look at the ethical consequences of the global use of sweatshops.
- Corporate Globalization: An excerpt from a campaign about overseas sweatshops in the garment industry.
- In the Name of Fashion: An article about exploitation in the fabric industry.
- Globalization in the Apparel and Textile Industries: A report about the history of factory work in the textile industry and how it has evolved today.
Written by Michael S. Atwood