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 answer is: combining spinning and weaving in the same factory.
The significant innovation of Lowell Mills that increased productivity was the combination of spinning and weaving in the same factory. This approach, known as the "Waltham-Lowell system," allowed for a more efficient production process as it eliminated the need to transport materials between separate spinning and weaving factories. By integrating both processes in one location, it streamlined operations and reduced costs, leading to increased productivity.
The significant innovation of Lowell Mills that increased productivity was combining spinning and weaving in the same factory.
To obtain this answer, you can use a variety of resources such as textbooks, articles, or websites that discuss the history of Lowell Mills. By studying the historical context and developments of the mills, you can find that the introduction of mechanized spinning and weaving machines, along with the integration of both processes within the same factory, resulted in increased efficiency and improved productivity. This innovation allowed for a continuous and uninterrupted workflow, reducing the time and effort needed to produce textiles.