Embedded Files
UNIT 7: Developing Nation
UNIT 7: Developing Nation
Lesson: Samuel Slater
Lesson: Samuel Slater
Tennessee State Standard:
Tennessee State Standard:
8.37 Explain the development of the American Industrial Revolution, including: Samuel Slater and the role of the textile industry.
8.37 Explain the development of the American Industrial Revolution, including: Samuel Slater and the role of the textile industry.
The Industrial Revolution Begins
The Industrial Revolution Begins
Samuel Slater grew up in Great Britain working in textile mills. A textile mill is a factory that makes cloth using water power. While working in Britain, Slater learned all different aspects of the textile industry. Sam wanted to start his own textile business but he wasn't allowed to in England. In order to start his own business, he would need to move to the United States. After thinking about it for a while, Sam decided to leave Great Britain and move to America.
SAMUEL SLATER MOVES TO THE UNITED STATES
SAMUEL SLATER MOVES TO THE UNITED STATES
When Sam left for the United States, he had to keep his knowledge about textile manufacturing a secret. Great Britain was the first country to create textile mills and they didn't want this new technology to reach other countries. It was against the law for textile workers to leave the country, it was also illegal to take any drawings or plans of textile machines out of the country. Since he couldn't bring any of his drawings with him, he memorized the designs. Once he got to the United States, re-created the plans from memory to build his textile machines.
THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BEGINS
THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION BEGINS
The First Industrial Revolution in America began in 1793, when Samuel Slater built the first American textile mill in Rhode Island. Rhode Island's geography was perfect for water powered mills. Using power from the streams and rivers, machines in the mill spun cotton into thread. The thread was then sent to be weaved into cloth. Slater's Rhode Island textile mill marked the beginning of the First Industrial Revolution in America.
THE "COMPANY VILLAGE"
THE "COMPANY VILLAGE"
Slater hired entire families, including many children, to work in his mill. His company built a "company village," so the workers would have a place to live. He provided homes for his workers to rent and stores where they could buy food and other necessities. After Slater paid his workers their wages, he would profit again when they bought goods from the stores and paid for their housing. Slater helped the community he created by proving them almost everything they needed to survive, but this also meant that his company controlled every aspect of the workers lives.
Page updated
Report abuse