Industrial history
Industry in the sense of professional manufacturing has existed for millennia, since the first cities rose.
Contents |
Cottage industry
Guilds
A development of pre-industrialized societies, guilds were associations of artisans within the same trade. Guilds provided mutual support for the member's interests, and maintained standards of workmanship and ethical conduct. In Europe during the middle ages, guilds provided a powerful influence on the political systems within towns and cities. New guild members were required to atudy under a master of the craft as an apprentice, then spent a period of time as a journeyman before becoming a master craftsman.
Medieval guilds held a monopoly of trade within the town in which they operated. During the eighteenth century, however, guilds came under increasing criticism for hindering free trade and technological development and transfer. However the guild system still continues to operate in some parts of the economy to this day.
Industrial revolution
Second industrial revolution
Labor force and unions
Post-industrialism
Categories
Industrial history