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
I’m confused :(
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No problem! The significant innovation of Lowell mills that increased productivity was combining spinning and weaving in the same factory. This integration of processes allowed for more efficient production and increased output.
I can help clarify the options for you. The question asks which of the options was a significant innovation of Lowell mills that increased productivity. Let's go through each option and see if we can identify the correct answer.
1. Combining spinning and weaving in the same factory: This refers to the process of combining two different steps of textile production, spinning (turning raw fibers into yarn) and weaving (using the yarn to create cloth), within the same factory. This was indeed a significant innovation of Lowell mills that increased productivity as it reduced the time and cost required for transportation and coordination between separate factories.
2. Separating spinning and weaving to different factories: This option suggests the opposite of the first option, separating spinning and weaving into different factories. While this approach might have had its own advantages, it did not specifically contribute to the productivity gains associated with Lowell mills.
3. Employing mainly former African-American slaves for lower wages: This option is not aligned with the innovations of Lowell mills. The question focuses on innovations related to improving productivity, and this option talks about the source of labor and wage levels, which is not directly related to productivity improvements.
4. Relying on the expertise of German immigrants: This option refers to the involvement of German immigrants in the mills. While the expertise and skills of German immigrants may have contributed to the overall success of the mills, it does not specify a significant innovation that increased productivity.
Based on the analysis, option 1, combining spinning and weaving in the same factory, is the most relevant and correct answer as it represents a significant innovation that increased productivity in Lowell mills.