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