Which of the following was a significant innovation of Lowell Mills that increased productivity?
• combining spinning and weaving in the same factory
• separating spinning and weaving to different factories
• employing mainly former African-American slaves for lower wages
• relying on the expertise of German immigrants
Combining spinning and weaving in the same factory.
The correct option is: combining spinning and weaving in the same factory. This innovation of Lowell Mills was a significant development that increased productivity. Now, let me explain how we can arrive at this answer.
To determine which of the options provided was a significant innovation of Lowell Mills, we need to have some background knowledge about the topic or conduct some research. Lowell Mills refers to a textile mill company established in the early 19th century in Lowell, Massachusetts. The company was known for its innovative approaches to textile manufacturing.
Now, let's analyze the options:
1. Combining spinning and weaving in the same factory: This option suggests that Lowell Mills introduced the practice of combining spinning and weaving in the same factory. This innovation was indeed significant because in traditional textile manufacturing, spinning and weaving were separate processes that took place in different locations. By bringing them together in the same factory, Lowell Mills streamlined the production process and increased efficiency.
2. Separating spinning and weaving to different factories: This option proposes the opposite approach to option 1. It suggests that Lowell Mills separated spinning and weaving into different factories. However, this contradicts the historical context of Lowell Mills, as they were known for integrating spinning and weaving in the same factory.
3. Employing mainly former African-American slaves for lower wages: This option introduces the concept of employing former African-American slaves for lower wages. While this may have been a practice during that time, it is not directly related to an innovation of Lowell Mills that increased productivity.
4. Relying on the expertise of German immigrants: This option implies that Lowell Mills relied on the expertise of German immigrants as an innovation to increase productivity. While it is possible that Lowell Mills employed immigrants, there is no strong historic evidence to support the claim that this strategy was a significant innovation that directly increased productivity.
Considering the information provided and the historical context of Lowell Mills, the option that aligns with the significant innovation is combining spinning and weaving in the same factory.