Early in the 19th century, textile production involved home workers (cottage industry). By the 1830s, factories had introduced total clothing manufacture. Factories replaced home workers with machines and unskilled labor. Young women were preferred employees in the Lowell, Massachusetts mills due to lower pay. Conditions were harsh, with long hours in hot, dark environments. In 1834, 800 female mill workers went on strike over wage cuts, though they were ultimately forced to return with no gains. Strikes by mill workers in the 1830s often failed against factory owners, who sometimes hired immigrants willing to work for less.

10. Which Reform Movement Helped Sarah Palin?

11. Which Reform Movement Helped Barack Obama?

12. Which Reform Movement Helped this College Graduate?

13. Which Reform Movement Helped this Prisoner?

14. Which Reform Movement Helped this Mentally Ill Patient?

15. Which Reform Movement Helped this Factory Worker?

16. Which Reform Movement Helped You?