How did producing goods represent a change from what existed before?

Answer 1

Producing goods marked a significant shift from a primarily agrarian and handcrafted economy to one centered around industrialization and mass production. Before this change, goods were often made individually by artisans or through simple farming practices, leading to limited availability and slower production rates. The advent of manufacturing allowed for the use of machinery, enabling higher efficiency, consistency, and scale, which transformed consumer access and economic structures. This transition also fostered urbanization and altered labor dynamics, as people moved to cities for factory jobs, reshaping societal norms and lifestyles.