During the early industrial period in the United States, factory owners like Samuel Slater would hire entire families to work in the factories. Children were given simple tasks and paid lower wages than adults. The Lowell system established by Francis Cabot Lowell hired young single women from farms to work in his textile mills. While conditions were better than other factories, women still worked 12-14 hour days under strict supervision. As industrialization expanded, workers organized unions to demand better conditions, wages, and an eight hour work day.

1. U.S. History Chapter 13: Industrial Growth in the North Section 2: Changes in Working Life

10. End of Child Labor Worker Safety 40 Hour Work Week Increased Pay & Benefits