How did Richard Arkwright's Water Frame fundamentally change factory location in 1769?
Answer
It necessitated a shift from decentralized homes to centralized mills by rivers due to its reliance on water wheels for power.
The Water Frame, introduced by Richard Arkwright in 1769, utilized water wheels as its power source. Since these machines were substantial in size and required a consistent, powerful energy supply found in flowing rivers, they could not be operated in small homes or workshops. This requirement inherently forced the centralization of labor and machinery into dedicated factory settings situated near water sources. This shift marked a profound change from decentralized cottage production toward the concentrated industrial mill system, defining a major characteristic of the evolving industrial landscape.
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