Manufacturing alters the means of production

• Before the 1820s, textile makers had spun thread in factories and used people working at home to make clothing.

• This is known as a cottage industry

• By the 1830s, mills had introduced the total manufacture of clothing in the factory.

Manufacturing alters the means of production

• By the 1830s, mills had introduced the total manufacture of clothing in the factory, which replaced the cottage industry system.

• unskilled workers used machines to make goods.

Factory production changes American manufacturing

• In the mills of Lowell, Massachusetts, factory workers were young, unmarried girls.

• Factory owners preferred young girls because they were paid less than male workers.

• Conditions were harsh. Girls were forced to work in heat and darkness. Windows were kept shut to retain the humidity

Early Labor Strikes• When the mills cut

their wages in 1834, 800 mill girls went on strike.

• They stopped work and demanded their wages.

• They were forced to give in, and they also lost another strike two years later.

Mill Workers Strike

• 800 mill girls went on strike

• They were forced to give in, and they also lost another strike two years later

• Factory owners won most of the time

• Hired immigrants who would work for less

Immigration

• About 3 million immigrants came to the United States from 1845 to 1854

• Slaves limited employment opportunities in the South and southern prejudice against Catholics kept many immigrants from settling there.

The Great Potato FamineThe Great Potato Famine• Killed as many as many as Killed as many as many as

1,000,000 Irish people1,000,000 Irish people

• potato disease commonly known potato disease commonly known as late blight.as late blight.

• Was a staple in the diet of most Was a staple in the diet of most Irish peopleIrish people

Trade Unions

• Unions were formed that were specific to certain trades

• Workers sought to standardize wages and working conditions

• Some unions formed federations—groups of workers representing several industries

The Courts and Strikes

• Early court decisions declared strikes illegal

• Commonwealth v. Hunt rules that workers can protect their own interests

Which Reform Movement Helped Sarah Palin?

Which Reform Movement Helped Barack Obama?

Which Reform Movement Helped this College Graduate?

Which Reform Movement Helped this Prisoner?

Which Reform Movement Helped this Mentally Ill Patient?

Which Reform Movement Helped this Factory Worker?

Which Reform Movement Helped You?