What happened to cottage industries during the Industrial Revolution? Explain.
During the Industrial Revolution, cottage industries faced significant challenges and changes. Cottage industries were small-scale businesses run out of individual homes, where workers would often produce goods by hand with simple tools and equipment. With the rise of industrialization and the development of large-scale factories, cottage industries struggled to compete.
The Industrial Revolution brought about the mechanization of production processes, which enabled factories to produce goods at a much faster rate and on a larger scale than cottage industries could manage. Additionally, the introduction of new technologies, such as steam power and the spinning jenny, transformed the manufacturing industry, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
As a result, many cottage industries were unable to keep up with the changing market demands and were ultimately forced out of business. Workers in cottage industries often found themselves displaced or had to adapt to working in factories, where wages were typically lower and working conditions were often poor.
Overall, the Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on cottage industries, leading to their decline and eventual disappearance in many regions as the factory system became the dominant mode of production.