Lessons Learned: A Comparison of the Textile and Apparel Industry of Early 19th-Century Lawrence and Lowell with China Today

In this chapter, the textile and apparel industry of early 19th-century Lawrence and

Lowell will be compared with the industry in China today. A critical 30-year

period in each region’s industrial development will be considered, focusing on the

motivations and challenges presented by rapid industrialization. By looking at

workers’ lives and work environment, a comparative perspective emerges.