How did the merchanization of weaving clothstarting with the invention of the flying shuttle affect the labor force in England?
The mechanization of weaving, initiated by the invention of the flying shuttle in the 1730s, significantly transformed the labor force in England. It increased productivity, allowing weavers to produce wider fabrics more efficiently, which led to a greater demand for textiles. However, this shift also caused job displacement for many skilled handloom weavers, as machines began to replace their labor. Overall, while it boosted industrial growth and created new job opportunities, it also contributed to social unrest and economic challenges for displaced workers.