OpenStax
Open Stax: Transformation in North 1800 50: Early Industrialization Northeast
Examines the transformation of work from artisan-centered to a mechanized workforce. Looks at the emergence of industrialization and the impact it had on production and on the worker experience, the development of the consumer society,...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Economic Growth and the Early Industrial Revolution
A very thorough look at the industrial growth in the North because of the advent of the Industrial Revolution in America. See what industries grew, how factories became more productive, and find out how the states cultivated economic...
Digital History
Digital History: The Introduction of the Factory System
The factory system revolutionized manufacturing and the employment of unskilled workers to man the factories. Read about the young children, women, and, later, immigrants who provided the labor to the textile mills and other...
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Samuel Slater
One-page profile of influential innovator, Samuel Slater, whose ideas made him the "father of the American factory system" in the early 1800s.
Other
Lecture Notes: Textile Factories Come to the u.s.
Clemson University provides a historical overview of the wave of textile factories, including Slater and Lowell, that cropped up in the northeast. Hyperlinks to additional information.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The First American Factories
The growth of cities and the American economy in the first half of the 19th century was driven by the growth of factories. Read about the textile industry in New England and how manufacturing spread throughout the north.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Rise of American Industry
The Industrial Revolution came to America, smuggled in by Samuel Slater, who brought plans for a cotton-spinning mill. See how the growth of industry led to the growth of corporations, the growth of the nation geographically, and the...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: December 20: First American Cotton Mill
Library of Congress site gives a brief history and photo of the water-powered cotton mill that was built by Samuel Slater with links to related material for more in-depth study. Also, links to information about other historical events.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: First American Cotton Mill
This 4-page article provides an overview of the first American cotton mill put into operation in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and the history of textile industry.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Rhode Island
"Did you know that Rhode Island has more artists per person than any state in the country?" "Who was Samuel Slater and what is he famous for?" These questions and more are addressed at America's Story site for Rhode Island.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Wake Up, America: Industrial Revolution in America [Pdf]
A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that looks at the technological advances of early nineteenth-century America and the birth of the Industrial Revolution in America.
PBS
Pbs: Who Made America? Samuel Slater
Slater divided factory work into such simple steps that children aged four to ten could do it -- and did. While such child labor is anathema today, American children were traditionally put to work around the farm as soon as they could...
Other
Woonsocket Connection: Samuel Slater: Father of American Industrial Revolution
A biography of Samuel Slater, father of the American Industrial Revolution, is on this site. Pictures and links are also available.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Samuel Slater
Learn about Samuel Slater, the "Father of American Industry", through this comprehensive overview with detailed facts.
Curated OER
Samuel Slater
A biography of Samuel Slater, father of the American Industrial Revolution is on this site. Pictures and links are also available.