OS Ch 9: Industrial Transformation in the North, 1800-1850

Samuel Slater

Emigrated from Britain in 1791, recreated English textile machines from memory, and built the first American cotton mill.

Embargo Act—1807

Forbade American trading vessels from leaving the US, aimed to change British and French policies, stimulated domestic industry.

The Boston Associates & Lowell Mills

Recruited young women for factory work in Lowell, closely supervised, provided intellectual opportunities, and discouraged unionization.

Elias Howe & Isaac Singer

Howe invented the sewing machine in 1848, perfected by Singer, revolutionizing the ready-made clothing industry.

Pawtucket Strike (1824)

One of the first organized strikes in the US, initiated by factory owners' wage cuts, led to increased worker rights but also owner dominance in local politics.

Lowell Factory Girls’ Association

Women in Lowell rejected wage cuts in 1834 and 1836, showcasing the power of collective action despite limited long-term impact.

Cult of Domesticity

1840s cultural creed glorifying homemaker roles, emphasizing moral power of married women in shaping the family.

Domestic Feminism

Women asserting power to have fewer children within the cult of domesticity, signifying growing independence.

Commonwealth v

Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling that labor unions were not illegal conspiracies, with limited impact due to low union membership.

Irish Immigration in 1840’s

One million Irish immigrants arrived in the US due to the Potato Famine, settling in eastern cities for manual labor or domestic work.

Irish Workers

Seen as willing to work for low wages, faced anti-Catholic bias, and competed with black workers for low-wage jobs.

German Immigration in 1840’s

Displaced farmers and political liberals from Germany settled in the Midwest, contributing to American culture and opposing slavery.

The Market Revolution, 1815-1860

Transformation of the US economy towards a national market economy, stimulated by various factors including transportation expansion and technological advances.

Land Law of 1796

Public Land Act authorizing the sale of federal lands in 640-acre sections for $2 per acre, mostly utilized by speculators.

Panic of 1819 & Wildcat Banks

Caused by over-speculation in western lands, leading to mistrust of banks and demand for higher protective tariffs.

Second Bank of the United States—1816

Established to address unsound state bank practices and lack of federal secure depository.

Land Act of 1820

Reduced federal land prices to $1.25 per acre, eliminating credit sales.

Eli Whitney

Invented the cotton gin in 1793, revolutionizing cotton production and making slavery more profitable.

Robert Fulton & Steamboats

Demonstrated steamboat transportation viability in 1807, lowering prices and stimulating regional economies.

Donald McKay & Clipper Ships

Produced fast clipper ships in the 1840s, successful in transportation until replaced by steam-powered ships.

McCormick Reaper

Patented in 1834, mass-produced in 1847, revolutionizing grain harvesting and increasing pressure for land acquisition.

John Deere

Created the first steel plow in 1837, facilitating farming in the West.

Samuel F

Demonstrated telegraph communication in 1844, revolutionizing long-distance communication.

Cumberland Road

First federal highway in the US, main route to the Northwest Territory.

Erie Canal—1825

Linked Midwest farms to New York City markets, reducing shipping costs and stimulating agricultural and industrial development.

American System—1824

Proposed by Henry Clay, aimed to benefit all parts of the nation through protective tariffs, strong banking, and infrastructure development.