Francis Cabot Lowell

SummaryEdit

American businessman, founder of mills at Lowell, MA

Exact DefinitionEdit

Who was he?

An American businessman who helped bring the Industrial Revolution to the US (cf. Samuel Slater). Founded mills in Waltham and Lowell, MA.

What did he do?

He proved instrumental in the rise of mills and the mill system, especially in his personal city, Lowell. If you have ever visited there, there’s a TON of mills that utilize the river for power.

ImportanceEdit

He was a major player in the Industrial Revolution, and brought large factory-style mills to prominence (versus "cottage" mills)

Additional InformationEdit

Mill girls: these females (many children) worked in very harsh conditions at the mills which were often dangerous, underpaid, and crude. This eventually became a problem that arose later especially during the women’s rights and labor movements.

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