The Lowell mills were the first hint of the industrial revolution to come to America. The mills introduced a new system of integrated manufacturing in the U.S., and this led to the establishment of new patterns of employment. It also led to urban development that was soon replicated around New England and elsewhere (Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. N.d). The success of Lowell mills came with two different views of the factories. To females like me, employment in the mills brought a sense of freedom. In contrast to most young women of that time, they were free from parental authority, had the option to seek employment and earn their own money, and had educational opportunities. The young women were encouraged to educate themselves as well as pursue intellectual activities.
The point of women getting employment and getting compensated is the good side of the picture. However, there was a dull side as the women affiliated with the mill were not treated better. People saw the employment of women in the mills as a challenge to the traditional roles of women. As a result, women were heavily criticized for seeking employment in the factories. Secondly, the wage system of the factory was not satisfactory and was heavily criticized. Women were paid lower wages compared to men and their peers elsewhere. The wage system of the factories was seen as a form of slavery. The other dull side of the picture is the working conditions in the factory. The factories were characterized by harsh working conditions, and this put the lives of young women at risk. The long working hours made the young feel exhausted, both mentally and physically.
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References
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. (N.d). Lowell mills girls and the factory system, 1840. [Online]. Retrieved from: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/content/lowell-mill-girls-and-factory-system-1840 . Accessed 13 th August 2019.
