Essential Questions
How did the changes in technology affect the way of life in an agricultural community in the beginning of the Industrial Revolution?

Overview
This lesson contains primary source documents, grouped by a thematic topic for study. They provide historical understanding of American history during the early nineteenth century. During this time of expansion and reform, these personal records reveal the values and culture that shaped our history, promote historical thinking, and stimulate class discussion, debate, and writing.

All of the documents are from the New England area and provide information about the impact of the growth of textile factories on nineteenth-century New England families: their work, their choices about work, and the communities in which they lived.

• This lesson contains Primary Source Documents that provide insight into the lives of children in early nineteenth-century New England.
  
• Teachers can effectively incorporate them into a lesson or create new lessons around them. Each Primary Source Document is accompanied by a headnote that provides information pertinent to the document.
  
• A historical background paper, included with the Papers and Articles, provides some additional information and context for the selected documents.
  
• Additional Teacher Resources articles and an Activity Sheet are included to assist teachers and students using these materials.
  
• A curriculum introducing primary sources is available as a Unit Plan.

Skills
Students will utilize the following skills:

• Interpret and analyze primary source documents
• Develop research skills
• Develop historical understanding

Grade Level
Middle, High School

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National Standards

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