Friday, March 23, 2012

19th Century Industrial Life in America for Women


Background:
As the 19th century began, the Industrial Revolution began to pick-up momentum in Europe (particularly Great Britain) and America. This change from a primarily rural and agriculture existence to an urban and manufacturing economy radically altered the lives of families in Europe and the United States. The change to an economy based on the turning of raw materials into “finished goods” (i.e. textiles) began to supplant the subsistence farming existence as well as creating a “money economy. The Waltham or Lowell System vastly changed the life of young farm girls across New England.

No longer did these young women assist the family’s income in the “putting out system” but instead starting moving to factory towns such as Waltham and Lowell employed in the carding, spinning, weaving and sewing of textiles in America’s first factories. These young women began experiencing the world in a completely different manner than women had in prior centuries. These young women experienced a “wage earning” life complete with the “freedom” to attend educational lectures, plays and numerous other cultural events found in these early urban factory towns. Life thanks to the Industrial Revolution in America radically changed the lifestyle of women in the United States.

Below, you will find a series of web links that will give you an insight into the industrial/urban life of various females of the early 19th century. Please use these sources as well as your text and other sources to respond to the following prompt.

Compare and contrast the life and expectations of 19th century industrial/ urban woman to that of a 21st century woman and determine which way of life is more rewarding and fulfilling? Why?

Remember to use and cite illustrative historical details in your responses.










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