eBook
OpenStax

Open Stax: Transformation in North 1800 50: Early Industrialization Northeast

For Students 11th - 12th
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,...
Article
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Economic Growth and the Early Industrial Revolution

For Students 5th - 8th
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...
Website
Digital History

Digital History: The Introduction of the Factory System

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
Handout
PBS

Pbs: Who Made America?: Innovators: Samuel Slater

For Students 9th - 10th
One-page profile of influential innovator, Samuel Slater, whose ideas made him the "father of the American factory system" in the early 1800s.
Website
Other

Lecture Notes: Textile Factories Come to the u.s.

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: The First American Factories

For Students 5th - 8th
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.
Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: The Rise of American Industry

For Students 5th - 8th Standards
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...
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Today in History: December 20: First American Cotton Mill

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: First American Cotton Mill

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Rhode Island

For Students 3rd - 5th
"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.
Lesson Plan
PBS

Wnet: Thirteen: Wake Up, America: Industrial Revolution in America [Pdf]

For Teachers 6th - 8th Standards
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.
Unit Plan
PBS

Pbs: Who Made America? Samuel Slater

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
Handout
Other

Woonsocket Connection: Samuel Slater: Father of American Industrial Revolution

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Samuel Slater, father of the American Industrial Revolution, is on this site. Pictures and links are also available.
Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: American Historama: Samuel Slater

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about Samuel Slater, the "Father of American Industry", through this comprehensive overview with detailed facts.
Graphic
Curated OER

Samuel Slater

For Students 9th - 10th
A biography of Samuel Slater, father of the American Industrial Revolution is on this site. Pictures and links are also available.
Graphic
Curated OER

Samuel Slater

For Students Pre-K - 1st
An image of Samuel Slater.