Explain U.S. Work and Labor Before the End of Reconstruction

“As the industrial revolution developed in the United States, traditional patterns of work were disrupted and replaced by more ridged, structured, factory-based workplaces. The older notion of the “Artisan Republic”—in which craftsmen could aspire to the status of a master within their given field—was threatened. American workers resisted this change. In what ways did Americans seek to maintain these older traditions of work, and how successful were they?” (Question courtesy of Professor Francis Ryan) Use clear and precise language in your essay and provide evidence from the lectures and assigned readings to support your claims. In particular, you may want to use the primary source “From the Artisan’s Republic to the Factory System,” which can be found on Sakai in the PRIMARY SOURCES FOR PAPER 2 folder. Also make sure to cite your sources. Please do not use any outside sources. A draft of the essay is due at the start of class on Thursday, April 5th. Your draft need not be more than 900 words (or three double-spaced pages). The final version of the essay, which should be between 1500 and 1800 words, will be due at the end of the semester. Please submit your draft via the ASSIGNMENTS function on the course SAKAI page and bring two hard copies to class.