What was the purpose of the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association formed in 1844?

The Lowell Female Labor Reform Association, established in 1844, was primarily focused on advocating for improved working conditions for female wage earners in the textile mills of Lowell, Massachusetts. One of their central goals was to reduce the workday to 10 hours, an issue that was critical for many women who were employed in arduous conditions for long hours with little pay. The association organized women to petition for these reforms and raised awareness about the exploitation of female workers during the Industrial Revolution.

While other movements, such as women's suffrage, temperance, and abolition, were significant in the context of the mid-19th century, the specific mission of the Lowell Female Labor Reform Association was concentrated on labor rights and working conditions rather than directly addressing those other social issues. Their efforts were part of a broader labor movement seeking to improve the rights and conditions of workers, particularly in a rapidly industrializing economy.