209Marah

== == // What is it? // In the early 1800s factories and machines were becoming popular in the United States. This practice came over from Europe. Products weren’t made in homes anymore. The makers also now got help too. They were working in the factories. New ideas were being presented such as unions. Also, urbanization was spreading. Ideas were being put into action with inventions. Several experiments, like “Lowell Mills” were being tried too. The Industrial Revolution was the time of new beginnings. ==

//Urbanization//
== The “country” way of life was becoming more of a “city life.” Many new, tall buildings were beginning to pop up along with factories. The people moved to cities specifically to work in factories. These buildings were not as tall as today, maybe only a few stories high and made out of wood. The cities also weren’t as big as today too. Also, more and more people were moving there. Life was crowded in the cities. Disease spread much faster too. However, the citizens had a lot more entertainment for themselves like theatres. Urbanization was quickly spreading. == == // Growth of Unions // Working conditions were poor and wages were very low in some factories. Skilled workers came together to form trade unions. They called for shorter hours, higher wages, and safer working conditions. If their demands weren’t met, they refused to work by going on strike, but this was illegal. They faced fines, and jail sentences and some lost their jobs. However, they slowly made progress with better working conditions. == == // Inventions // Some inventions made during the Industrial Revolution were the Spinning Jenny, invented by James Hargreaves, spun several threads at once instead of a singular one. The Cotton Gin, invented by Eli Whitney, cleaned cotton with a comb-like mechanism. The water- frame, invented by Edward Cartwright, was used to take thread and turn it into cloth. These inventions were all greatly used in the Industrial Revolution. == == // Working Conditions and Workers // People in the Industrial Revolution believed that this movement was a huge step in evolution and production. Although this may be true, there were also great cons. For example, working conditions in the factories were poor and unsanitary. There were fire hazards, poor air quality, and there wasn’t even a sewage system. Factories were terribly overcrowded, and there was poor lighting, which led to accidents. Also, workers worked long hours for little pay. Some worked for 12 to 15 hours a day. Even though it was harsh, trade greatly grew with the large amount of products being distributed. == == // Lowell Mills // The Lowell Mills, located in Waltham Massachusetts, was an experiment during the Industrial Revolution. There they used machines powered by rivers that people operated to produce goods for trade. Young women and even children from ages 7 to 12 had worked terrible machines. These women and children were provided apartments to live in right by their workplace. They worked 12 hours a day for 6 days a week. The Lowell Mills were considered a symbol of progress to Europe. But as the system spread, conditions grew worse and wages dropped. ==