Discuss. Why did some industrialists in the nineteenth century in Europe prefer hand labor over machines?

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Chapter 4

NCERT

Class 10

History

Solutions

1. Why did some industrialists in the nineteenth century in Europe prefer hand labor over machines?

Question:

Discuss

‍

Why did some industrialists in the nineteenth century in Europe prefer hand labor over machines?

Answer:

New technology was expensive and industrialists were cautious about using it.
Machines often broke down and repair was costly.
There was no shortage of human labor as poor peasants and workers moved to the cities in large numbers in search of work. Wages were low.
In seasonal industries where production fluctuated with season, industrialists usually preferred hand labor, employing workers for the season.
There was demand for goods with intricate designs and specific shapes. This required human skill, not mechanical technology.

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