In the early nineteenth century, industrialization in the United States grew rapidly, largely by adopting British textile machinery designs. However, unlike Great Britain's early reliance on coal, the United States initially utilized its abundant water resources to power mills in New England before transitioning to steam power.
Which of the following best describes a major similarity between the industrialization of the United States and that of Great Britain?
- Both countries initially focused on textile manufacturing as the primary driver of early industrial growth.Answer
- BBoth countries relied primarily on electricity and petroleum to power their earliest factories.
- CBoth countries' early industrialization was fully funded and directed by the state under mercantilist principles.
- DBoth countries relied on direct colonial rule to obtain their domestic factory labor.
Answer
Both countries initially focused on textile manufacturing as the primary driver of early industrial growth.
The correct option is correct because the mechanization of textile production was the foundational step for industrialization in both Great Britain and the United States. While their energy sources differed initially (water power in New England versus coal in Britain), both economies transitioned from cottage industries to factory-based production driven by textile manufacturing.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The global spread of industrialization and the common reliance on textile production as the starting point of the First Industrial Revolution.
Hints
1
Think about the primary product or industry that first underwent mechanization in both Great Britain and the United States.
Estimated Time:45s