Impact of the Lowell System

In the early 1800s, America transitioned from an agricultural to an industrial nation, leading to the creation of a new workforce. The Erie Canal facilitated westward movement, and young women moved into textile industries. Francis Cabot Lowell's factory in Massachusetts became a hub for young women seeking independence. Despite good pay, workers faced wage cuts and were unable to form unions. By the 1850s, immigrant labor replaced farm girls, marking a shift in American labor.

What major transformation did America undergo in the early 1800s?

• From a rural to an urban society

• From a monarchy to a democracy

• From an agricultural to an industrialized nation

• From a slave-based to a free labor economy

What was a significant consequence of the Erie Canal's completion?

• It led to the decline of New England farms

• It caused a surge in textile factory openings

• It prompted New England farmers to move west

• It increased the demand for agricultural products

Who was responsible for consolidating the cloth production process in a single building?

• Samuel Slater

• Eli Whitney

• Francis Cabot Lowell

• Robert Fulton

What was one of the main reasons young women moved to Lowell, Massachusetts?

• To escape from family obligations

• To find husbands

• To pursue higher education

• To discover a new life of opportunity and independence

What amenities did Lowell, Massachusetts, offer to the young women working in the factories?

• Luxury apartments and shopping malls

• Boarding houses, churches, and cultural events

• Sports facilities and recreational parks

• Free transportation and healthcare

What was the average weekly pay for the Lowell girls?

• $2

• $4

• $1

• $3

What was a key factor in the Lowell girls forming a close community?

• Living in dormitories under matrons

• Shared cultural backgrounds

• Participating in local politics

• Attending the same schools

Why were the Lowell girls unable to fight back against wage reductions?

• They were satisfied with their pay

• They were not allowed to form unions

• They feared losing their jobs

• They lacked the necessary skills

Who replaced the Lowell girls in the factories by the 1850s?

• Male laborers

• Skilled artisans

• Poor immigrants

• Child workers

What was the new face of American labor by the 1850s?

• Female entrepreneurs

• Native-born Americans

• Skilled craftsmen

• Immigrant workers