Objective: To review the Industrial Revolution and the working conditions in factories. Do Now: Use the glossary in your text to define the following terms. textile - woven cloth interchangeable parts - identical parts of a tool or instrument that are made by machine Video: The Industrial Revolution (2:31) Beginning in the 19th century, advances in manufacturing revolutionize the American way of life.
Industrial Revolution British inventors began to make textiles with machines. A British textile worker, Samuel Slater, set up a textile factory in Rhode Island in 1790. This was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the U.S.! Student made video on the life of Samuel Slater. Samuel Slater: Hero or Traitor? Get a British perspective!
Francis Lowell In 1814, Francis Lowell opened a textile factory in Waltham, MA.
* As a result, the U.S. no longer had to buy finished textile products from Europe! View the inside of a 19th century textile mill. (Lowell, MA ) 1845 Lowell factory pamphlet
Eli Whitney Eli Whitney invented interchangeable parts. Products could now be put together and repaired easier than if they were completely hand made.
Factory Workers Women were paid half as much as men. Working hours were long, and wages were low. Ex.) 12-15 hour work days Earnings: men - $5 per week women - $2 per week children - $ 1 per week Cities developed as farmers and immigrants took available factory jobs.