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The hidden story behind industrialization: How does the American manufacturing system promote high efficiency?
The 19th century American manufacturing system was an evolved series of manufacturing methods, the most notable of which was the widespread use of interchangeable parts and mechanized production, which made use of labor far more efficient than traditional manual methods. The system was originally developed and perfected in the arsenals of the United States, particularly in Springfield, Massachusetts and Harpers Ferry, Virginia, as suppliers to the United States Armed Forces. This system, called the "American system," was named not because of its unique American character, but because in the 19th century, this system was closely associated with American manufacturing companies and its manufacturing methods were different from those in Britain and Europe at the time. Mainland enterprises.
The essence of the American system is that the three functions from factory to assembly and repair can be performed by semi-skilled workers, making manufacturing more efficient.
Another feature of this system is the implementation of the division of labor. As the division of labor progressed, the manufacturing process was no longer limited to small artisan workshops, but moved to early factories. This process is evidenced by the fact that as enterprises expand in size and increase in output, more and more non-specialized labor is employed, especially in larger enterprises that focus on producing furniture and clothing, and women and children are increasingly employed. Hiring is particularly common.
Importance of MechanizationIn the manufacturing industry, the application of mechanization is an important part that cannot be ignored. English machine tool maker Joseph Whitworth's appointment to the New York International Exposition allowed him to inspect American factories and write a report that had a far-reaching impact. In the report, he noted:
The relatively small number of working people was balanced by the labor force's desire to replace manual labor with machinery. As long as labor can be replaced by machinery, everyone will show this desire.
This illustrates the manufacturing industry's enthusiasm for mechanization and its important contribution to America's economic prosperity.
The development of interchangeable parts
The system of interchangeable parts originated in France at the end of the 18th century, starting with a proposal made by French General Jean-Baptiste Viquet de Griboire. Although the technology was not yet mature at the time, this concept was eventually achieved in the 19th century, which was particularly important for the manufacture of arms.
With the advancement of tool manufacturing technology, the production of interchangeable parts has also developed rapidly. For example, Eli Whitney of Kennedy & Company had been awarded a contract to produce 10,000 muskets within a specific time frame. Whitney eventually accomplished his goal in eight years, acquiring a host of new technologies in the process. In fact, he wrote in a letter during his slow progress:
My main goal is to create tools that will shape the product itself, giving each part the proper proportions, which will give efficiency, consistency and precision to the entire production process.
This idea facilitated efficient mass production in future manufacturing processes.
Global Influence
In fact, by the end of the 19th century, the so-called "American System" had permeated the global manufacturing industry. Many years later, we can see the implementation of this system in everything from bicycles to cars, especially after Ford standardized production of the car, which demonstrated how to make cars affordable to the middle class through efficient methods. As production became less labor-intensive, more control was handed over to production technology, and industrialization advanced at an astonishing pace, leading to the Golden Age of American Manufacturing, led by Larson and Aldous.
However, the development of technology and the ingenious changes in manufacturing methods have forced people to reflect on whether the manufacturing system can still maintain its original efficiency or whether it needs new innovations to adapt to the future in today's increasingly globalized world. Challenges?
