19th Century
Industrial And Transportation Changes
Improvements In Transportation
During the 1800's, changes in transportation were happening in speed and convenience. For example, the two main ways of transportation were the railroad and steamboat. More than 500 steamboats were being used to carry goods and people across the Atlantic. By 1860, there were 30,000 miles of railroad that connected major cities. This caused the economy and cities to grow.
The Steamboat
One method of transportation was the steamboat the carried goods and people across bodies of water.
The Railroad
Another method of transportation was the railroad. In the 19th century, 30,000 miles of railroad linked major cities.
The Steamboat Doing Its Job
This is a steamboat carrying goods.
Manufacturing And Industry
During the 1800's industry in the north was growing. This new era introduced factories with new machines with certain jobs produing items to be sold in other places. Before the 19th century it was a long process to make textiles. Then with new technology and business men, they made mills and factories along steams. With the new growth in mills and factories, they needed more workers so they started hiring women which gave them new oppuntunies.
More Mills And Factories
With new technology, business men decided to build more mills and factories along steams.
New Machines
In the factories they had new technology and machines that made the process much faster, which caused more production.
Jobs For Women
With more mills and factories, they decided to employ women.
Working Conditions
During the 19th century, factories were introduced producing textiles, which gave oppunitunities to women to have jobs and independence. The biggest mill was built in Lowell, Massachusetts which employed women from farm families and unmarried women. These women soon became known as the Lowell girls. Working Conditions weren't always favorable in the mill, most workers got injured on the job or suffered fatalities. Sometimes people got injured by the machines or by accidents.
The Oppuntunities For Women
Most women jumped for the oppunitunity to have a job and independence in the mill even though there was risks of getting injured.
The Factories
This was one of the factories that women worked at.
The Lowell Girls
The Lowell girls became well know for working at the biggest mill located at Lowell, Massachusetts.