Evolution of an Industry
The Garment Industry
Clothing was
made at home
from fabric which was made on a loom
from thread
spun from
flax for linen
Raw materials
cotton
or wool.
Seamstresses and tailors produced clothing in their homes for individuals. This was called a cottage industry.
Invention
The sewing machine was invented by Elias Howe and electrified by Isaac Singer.
• With the invention of the sewing machine industrialization of the garment industry began. Factories were built.
Financial Resources
• Money
• Building
• Machines
• Other Equipment
With the onset of the Civil War changes to the garment industry were needed.
The need for Uniforms resulted in• Standardized sizes• Mass productions
Railroads
Carried needed raw materials to factories
Carry finished goods to markets
around the country
Availability of Work Force
Source of needed labor– Immigrants– Children– Men– Women– African Americans (some former slaves
migrating north)
Working Conditions
Hazardous
Unhealthy
Low wages
Child Labor
Unfair treatment
Long hours
