Industrial Time

Industrial Time explores how the Industrial Revolution fundamentally reshaped our understanding and organization of time. It delves into the shift from agrarian, localized timekeeping to a standardized, globally integrated temporal framework driven by the demands of the factory system and increased efficiency. The book highlights how the standardization of time was not merely a practical adjustment but a restructuring of social and economic power, enabling efficient management of labor and resources. For instance, the rise of railway time demonstrates the logistical challenges overcome by coordinating schedules across vast distances, impacting international cooperation and daily life. The book progresses across chapters, first examining the emergence of factory time and strict schedules, then delving into the role of railways in popularizing standard time. It further explores the global adoption of the Gregorian calendar and its impact on international trade. By drawing on historical sources such as factory records and railway timetables, Industrial Time provides a comprehensive analysis of how the relentless march of machines transformed not only production. It demonstrates how time became a commodity, meticulously measured and managed, influencing modern capitalism and its pervasive impact on society.