Question

which two events catapulted the problems of female industrial workers to the forefront of the nation's agenda?

Answer 1

The two events which catapulted the problems of female industrial workers to the forefront of the nation's agenda are,

1) Industrial Revolution : The Industrial Revolution, now also known as the First Industrial Revolution, was the transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the United States, in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and 1840. This transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new chemical manufacturing and iron production processes, the increasing use of steam power and water power, the development of machine tools and the rise of the mechanized factory system. The Industrial Revolution also led to an unprecedented rise in the rate of population growth.

As a result of the impacts of the Industrial Revolution, women entered the workforce in textile mills and coal mines in large numbers. Also, women entered the workforce in order to help support the family.

2) Market Revolution :  The Market Revolution, which occurred in 19th century United States, is a historical model which argues that there was a drastic change of the economy that disoriented and coordinated all aspects of the market economy in line with both nations and the world.

The market revolution therefore not only transformed the economy, it changed the nature of the American family. As the market revolution thrust workers came into new systems of production, it redefined gender roles. Women and children worked to supplement the low wages of many male workers.