Early American Manufacturing
¢ Post-revolutionary shift from foreign trade to domestic
industries
ØGrowth of
domestic household manufacturing
ØInception of
a distinctive American system of manufacturing
¢British and European
vs. American manufacturing
ØSkilled,
plentiful, cheap labor vs. semi-skilled
labor, lack of capital, efficiencies, technology
ØFinishing
processes vs. volume
production of standardized
products, interchangeable machine parts, multiple inventions/processes
Ø1776: Adam Smith (“the father of capitalism”), The Wealth of Nations & the “invisible hand” è principles of
Laissez-faire