Mill Girls instructions
Watch The Working Women of Lowell, read about the experiences of Harriet H Robinson, Links to an external site. Lucy Larcom Links to an external site., and Sarah Bagley Links to an external site., and study the National Park Service Mill girls Links to an external site. brochure.
Thoroughly answer the following questions. Cite evidence where appropriate.
1) Why did women enter the factory labor force at this time? (study the film clip)
2) Describe what life was like for women working in these textile mills?
3) How do you think “the possession of money” changed the lives of the mill girls? Do you think this had an impact on women in general? How so?
4) What did Harriet Robinson think of the strike?
5) Answer in regard to either Lucy Larcom or Sarah Bagley. How does Lucy Larcom or Sarah Bagley think that the mill experience influenced the girls? How do you think it impacted her life and identity?
6) Was this a liberating or exploitative experience for the working women of Lowell? CHOOSE ONE of the following options. Cite evidence from the sources presented in this assignment to support your position.
a) argue the case that Lowell was an exploitative situation and mostly a dead end for working women.
b) argue the case that young women were liberated by the opportunity at Lowell.
https://video.alexanderstreet.com/embed/the-market-revolution-part-2
https://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5714
https://www.nps.gov/lowe/learn/historyculture/lucy-larcom.htm
https://www.nps.gov/lowe/learn/historyculture/sarah-bagley.htm
https://www.nps.gov/lowe/learn/historyculture/the-mill-girls-of-lowell.htm
