Student Question

What incentives did the American system of mass manufacture of standardized, interchangeable parts provide for US capitalists?

Quick answer:

The American system of mass manufacture of standardized, interchangeable parts provided incentives for US capitalists by reducing the need for skilled labor. This system allowed for the use of machines to produce uniform parts efficiently, lowering labor costs as workers with minimal skills could operate the machinery. This approach is akin to fast food production, where standardized procedures enable unskilled workers to produce consistent products.

Expert Answers

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The best answer here is C.  None of the other ones make sense.

One of the major benefits of mass production of standardized parts is that it means that skill is not needed.  Think about the mass production of fast food hamburgers, for instance.  Fast food restaurants have set procedures that anyone can do (I can attest to this, having worked in a fast food place).  There is no need for a person to be a good cook in order to make such a burger.  Therefore, when you start to make standardized parts, all you need is machines that will keep stamping out the same part over and over.

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