History That Doesn't Suck 19: The Traitor and The Thieving Spy: The Start of American Industrialization
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Jul 9, 2018 
Samuel Slater, known as a key figure in establishing the American textile industry, shares his thrilling journey from England to America. He recounts the audacious risks he took to open his illegal textile factory, bringing pivotal industrial knowledge that would reshape the nation. The conversation also delves into Francis Lowell's daring espionage, stealing British technology to propel American manufacturing. Together, these early innovators kick-started America’s Industrial Revolution, defying the odds and altering the course of history.
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Slater's Escape
- Samuel Slater, a skilled mechanic, illegally left Britain for America in 1789.
- He memorized British textile mill designs, defying a ban on exporting industrial knowledge.
British Textile Revolution
- British textile innovations like the flying shuttle, spinning jenny, and water frame revolutionized cloth production.
- These inventions drastically lowered costs, giving Britain a significant economic advantage.
American Cottage Industry
- Americans initially produced textiles through the cottage industry, a time-consuming, home-based system.
- This made textiles expensive, leading to interest in British industrial technology.