Final answer:
Artisans and skilled craftsmen saw the rise of industrial mills and factories as a threat to their livelihood due to the mechanization of production which devalued their skills, led to loss of control over work, and resulted in monotonous, low-paid labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Artisans and skilled craftsmen had complex perceptions regarding the spread of mills and factories during the Industrial Revolution. They witnessed a significant shift in the nature of their work with the emergence of mechanized production. Instead of the skilled labor required for producing goods by hand, factories relied on the division of labor through mechanized, repetitive tasks that could be performed by low-paid, unskilled laborers.
This transition led to a devaluation of artisan skills and a loss of control over the working environment. Artisans, who once took pride in their craft and had autonomy over their working conditions, now faced long hours and monotonous tasks with little connection to the finished product. The assembly line system further reduced their sense of contribution, transforming them into cogs in an industrial machine. Additionally, the labor market became saturated with unskilled workers, which led to lower wages and made these craftsmen easily replaceable, jeopardizing their livelihoods and social standing.
Thus, many artisans and skilled craftsmen felt marginalized by the industrialization process, as it not only threatened their traditional way of life but also stripped them of their identity and sense of accomplishment derived from their trade.