In "The Lowell Textile Workers", Harriet Hanson Robinson describes her experiences working in Massachusetts textile mills of the 1830s. What kind of women came to work in the mills? Why did they do so? What were millworking conditions like, according to Harriet? (Give specific examples of her daily schedule, salary, etc.) Finally, describe the reasons behind the workers' strike of 1836. Do you agree with Harriet's statement that mill work represented a "new era that was about to dawn for all women-kind"? Why or why not?

Young women came to work in the textile mill that Lowell, a Boston graduate had established when demand for clothes was rising.

They did so as the working and living conditions were good, safe and respectable in the so-called boardinghouses that were set up by Lowell.

According to Harriet they were good; she and other (young) women could work at their own pace, while being paid by the piece and not by the hour.

Harriet mentions that this even enabled her to read books at work.

Due to economic hardship the Directors of the mills proposed an additional rent for textile workers living in the boarding houses. The female textile workers responded directly by forming the Factory Girls Association and called for a strike.

On the one hand I agree with Harriet that the mill work was a social milestone for many young women who had the opportunity to become wage earners and to educate themselves.

On the other hand her working and social conditions (in the early days of the textile mills) were more favorable than most.