Assignment 7 Complaint of a Lowell Factory Girl

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Loyola Marymount University *

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18B

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History

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Name: Gursimran Gill Professor Newsom Assignment #7 HIST 18B Complaint of a Lowell Factory Girl During the Industrial Revolution, the working conditions of factory workers in the United States were deplorable. The Lowell Factory Worker's Complaint, written by a female worker in a Lowell textile mill, highlights the working conditions in the factory and the experiences of the female workers. In this essay, we will examine why the female factory worker compared her conditions with those of slaves and why she doubted the sincerity of the Christian beliefs of the factory owners. Why does the female factory worker compare her conditions with those of slaves? The Lowell Factory Worker's Complaint compares the conditions of factory workers to that of slaves, stating that "we are sold, and are bought and are bound like slaves." The female worker uses this comparison to illustrate the exploitation of the factory workers and their lack of freedom. She argues that the workers are treated poorly and given little opportunity to improve their situation, just like slaves. The female worker writes, "we cannot leave this place, even if we wished to, without the permission of the Corporation." This shows that the workers are trapped in their situation and have no freedom of movement. They are forced to work long hours for little pay and are treated like machines rather than human beings. This comparison with slavery highlights the exploitation and inhumane conditions that the factory workers are subjected to and the need for change. Why does she doubt the sincerity of the Christian beliefs of the factory owners? The Lowell Factory Worker's Complaint also questions the sincerity of the Christian beliefs of the factory owners. The female worker writes, "these people profess to be followers of the meek
and lowly Jesus" but treat their workers poorly. She argues that the factory owners are hypocrites who use Christianity to justify their actions while ignoring the teachings of Jesus. The female worker states, "the golden rule, 'do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you,' is not acknowledged as a rule of action here." This shows that the factory owners are not treating their workers as they would want to be treated, contrary to the teachings of Christianity. The female worker argues that the factory owners' actions do not match their words and that they use Christianity to mask their exploitation of the workers. This doubt in the sincerity of the factory owners' Christian beliefs highlights the need for change and a call for the factory owners to practice what they preach. In conclusion, the Lowell Factory Worker's Complaint highlights the deplorable working conditions of factory workers during the Industrial Revolution. The female worker compares the conditions of factory workers to that of slaves to illustrate the exploitation and lack of freedom that they experience. She also questions the sincerity of the Christian beliefs of the factory owners, arguing that they are hypocrites who use Christianity to justify their actions. These two points show the need for change and a call for factory owners to treat their workers with dignity and respect. Footnotes [1] Lowell Factory Worker's Complaint, 1836. [2] Ibid. Bibliography Lowell Factory Worker's Complaint. 1836. https://unitedstateshistoryto1877.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/complaint-of-a-lowell-factory- worker.pdf .
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