Answer:
For numerous reasons, early textile factories were frequently situated alongside rivers and streams:
1. Water power: The factory' spinning and weaving equipment was powered by the flowing water from nearby rivers and streams. Compared to steam engines, which were not yet widely accessible, this was a more affordable and dependable source of power.
2. Transportation: Raw materials and finished items were transported by rivers and streams. Cotton, wool, and other supplies could be delivered to factories by ships, and factories could subsequently export finished textiles to distant markets.
3. Access to labour: Urban areas where workers lived were frequently traversed by rivers and streams, making it simpler for them to travel to the factories. This was significant since early textile manufacturers required a sizable workforce, making a ready labour pool essential.
4. Location of resources: Cotton and wool were frequently farmed in the rural areas close to the factories as the raw materials for making textiles. These materials may be easily transported to the factories for processing via the rivers and streams.
Overall, rivers and streams made excellent settings for early textile manufacturers due to their water power, accessibility to workers, and proximity to materials.