What was a primary feature of the Lowell System?

The primary feature of the Lowell System was that it employed primarily young women in textile mills. This system was developed in the early 19th century in Lowell, Massachusetts, where a factory model was established that relied heavily on young women, often referred to as "mill girls." These women typically came from rural areas or farming families and sought employment opportunities in the growing industrial economy.

The Lowell System was notable for providing housing, education, and some social opportunities for these young women, standing out from many other labor practices of the time, which often relied more heavily on child labor or men in their late twenties or older. While conditions were not always ideal, and long work hours were common, the system aimed to create a more structured and appealing working environment for these women compared to other contemporary options.

This unique aspect of the system reflected broader societal changes, as it was part of early industrialization in the United States, marking a significant shift in gender roles and labor dynamics during that era.