Questions and Answers
Before the _____s, the factory had still not become typical of American industry.
1850
Not until the 1850s did ______ and ______ begin to adopt power-driven machinery.
Hat making or shoe making
What is usually a distinctive feature of the factory system?
Power driven machinery
Who was Frances Cabot Lowell?
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Where was the Lowell factory located?
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Main features of the plant in 1822 involved what?
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What was the Lowell system designed to be?
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What type of workplace did the Lowell system want to avoid?
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Where did Lowell owners locate their mills?
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The Lowell system attempted a program of _____ ______ for the workers.
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The workers were mainly _____ ______ who could be paid less than men.
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What did owners promise parents for their daughters?
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Initially, 'The Lowell System' worked well. Workers appeared to be healthy and happy despite ______________________.
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What regulatory measures did the matronly supervisors enforce?
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After working at their knitting looms, some women formed ______________________.
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What problems did the Lowell system face?
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Study Notes
Lowell System Overview
- The 1850s marked a significant shift in American industry from handicraft to factory systems.
- Factories began adopting power-driven machinery, particularly in hat and shoe making.
Frances Cabot Lowell
- Lowell established the first factory integrating spinning and weaving processes under one roof in Boston.
- His factory mechanized production from raw materials to finished cloth, revolutionizing textile manufacturing.
Factory Features
- The Lowell factory, operational in 1822, required significant capital investment.
- It centralized all processes under unified management, focusing on producing coarse cloth that required minimal skills from workers.
Social Structure and Goals
- The Lowell system aimed to enhance social fabric by creating a model factory and community, avoiding drab and appalling work environments.
- Mills were strategically located in the countryside to foster a healthier lifestyle for workers.
Labor Dynamics
- Workers primarily consisted of young women, who were paid less than male counterparts.
- The factory owners assured parents of several benefits for their daughters, including comfortable housing, moral discipline, and educational opportunities.
Working Conditions
- Workers endured long hours, typically 13-hour days, six days a week, yet seemed initially satisfied with their conditions.
- Supervision was stringent, with dormitory living overseen by matrons enforcing church attendance, drinking regulations, and curfews.
Cultural Development
- Some women participated in study groups, edited a literary magazine, and attended lectures after their shifts, pursuing personal development.
Challenges Faced
- In the 1830s, declining textile prices and mill wages led to strained relations between workers and management.
- Faster production demands resulted in organized strikes from women protesting poor working conditions, highlighting flaws in the Lowell system.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Lowell System and its significance in American industrial history with these flashcards. Covering key terms and definitions, this quiz offers a quick way to learn about changes in manufacturing during the 1850s.
