"We the undersigned peaceable, industrious and hardworking women and children of Lowell... having toiled long for our present employers, our wages have been reduced... We the undersigned do solemnly pledge ourselves not to enter the mills under the proposed reduction of wages, but rather suffer ourselves to be locked out." — Lowell Mill Workers Petition / Turnout Pledge, 1836
Which evidence best supports the claim that early female factory operatives engaged in collective action?
- Acheck_circle
Coordinated mill turnouts and the formation of the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association in 1845
- B
The founding of the Knights of Labor in Lowell
- C
Female delegates' attendance at the National Trades Union convention
- D
The election of female representatives to the Massachusetts legislature
Explanation
Lowell women organized turnouts in 1834 and 1836 and later founded the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association in 1845 led by Sarah Bagley to petition for shorter workdays.