Mills of New Hampshire Challenge
As the South struggled to rebuild itself after the devastation
of the Civil War, the North enjoyed an industrial boom. People on farms found that they could be paid to finish
products at home, such as weaving palms for hats and sewing shoes and stockings. They could also leave the farm
altogether to work in the cities. The mills often provided housing for their workers, as well as recreational opportunities.
As the mills grew, immigrants came to New Hampshire looking for a better life. The Amoskeag Manufacturing Company
in Manchester grew into the largest textile complex in the world, and Berlin became the biggest producer of newsprint
in the world!
Our study of the mills of New Hampshire will focus on the following
questions:
- Who worked in the mills and what were their working conditions
like?
- Where did the people who worked in the mills live? What did
they do in their time off?
- What types of products did the mills produce? Where did the
raw materials for these products come from?
- How did the railroads affect the mills, as well as the rest
of New Hampshire?
- How did the mills affect the environment?
Your challenge is to research one of the above questions about
the mills of New Hampshire. Get together with other students who researched the same question to create a five
to ten-minute play, puppet show, or video to teach the rest of the class what you learned about your topic. Be
prepared to answer any questions the class may have for you following your show.
Process Standards
A high quality process will include:
- research from several different sources;
- cooperative work with all members of your group
- a rough draft of your script approved by your teacher at least
one week before the due date.
Product Standards
A high quality product will include:
- backdrops, props, costumes, and/or puppets that reflect the
setting and time period of 1870-1900;
- clear speaking voices with appropriate volume and speed;
- participation by all group members;
- the ability to answer questions asked by the class following
the presentation.
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