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Which of the following is a notable feature of the Waltham-Lowell system?

  1. Textile mill owners hired entire families to work in the mills.

  2. Young women from farms were hired for factory work.

  3. Mill owners paid for workers' passage from Europe.

  4. Mills printed their own currency for workers.

The correct answer is: Young women from farms were hired for factory work.

The notable feature of the Waltham-Lowell system is that it specifically employed young women from rural areas, particularly from farms. This system was established in the early 19th century in Massachusetts, during the industrial revolution in the United States. Its innovative approach involved recruiting young, unmarried women, often referred to as "mill girls," who sought economic independence and employment opportunities away from their homes. These women were typically housed in company-owned boarding houses, which provided a structured environment. This practice not only addressed the labor demands of the textile industry but also contributed to the social dynamics of the time by enabling women to earn wages, interact with peers, and gain a sense of autonomy. The Waltham-Lowell system thus became a significant aspect of early industrialization, highlighting the changing roles of women in society as they began to enter the workforce in greater numbers. In contrast, the other options presented do not accurately reflect the unique aspects of the Waltham-Lowell system regarding labor practices. While some mill owners did hire families or different immigrant groups, the distinctive aspect of the Waltham-Lowell system was its focus on young women as the workforce.