Where did factories start and where/how did the factory system spread?

The factory system began in Great Britain and was patented in 1719 by a man named John Lombe. The first physical factory was established by a river where the water was used to power textile manufacturing machines (not fully automated). Later, the system was greatly improved by Richard Arkwright. 

Soon, the factory system rapidly spread throughout Europe, Russia, Japan, and the United States. This system spread because of new forms of transportation that allowed more people to travel far distances, rather than just merchants. For example, scientists from Europe would be able to travel to Japan and open up the world of modern European science to Japan. The spread of the factory system can also be attributed to its acceptance by many nations and its importance to economies around the world. This system was widely accepted because there was a general desire to efficiently and effectively produce products that could be traded or sold. 

Derby Silk Mill: 

Industrial Revolution in Great Britain:

Sources: 

Smith, Bonnie G., Marc Van De Mieroop, Richard Von Glahn, and Kris Lane. Crossroads and Cultures: A History of The World's Peoples. First ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2012. Print.

"The Industrial Revolution Begins in England (1760-1850)." Modern World History. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.

[Link to resources used by the website: 

http://webs.bcp.org/sites/vcleary/ModernWorldHistoryTextbook/IndustrialRevolution/WorksCited.html]

Picture: 

"Derby Silk Mill." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Mar. 2014. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.