Complete Exam Guide Subject-wise practice platform
Factory System · World History

Why did many early factories have to be built near fast-flowing rivers?

  1. To supply clean, reliable drinking water to the large factory workforce
  2. To load finished goods onto river barges for transport to coastal markets
  3. To power factory machinery via water wheels as the primary energy source
  4. To keep machinery cool and prevent fires caused by friction and heat buildup
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: To power factory machinery via water wheels as the primary energy source

Before the widespread use of the steam engine, factories relied on hydraulic power. The water wheel turned shafts that powered all the machinery inside the building via a system of belts and pulleys.

Difficulty: Medium Question 9 of 20

Practice all 20 Factory System questions

Keep practicing

More Factory System questions