History of the United States I / Unit 9 USH1 1203 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Rhode Island System
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The idea
Under the Rhode Island system, families were hired as units rather than as individuals.
In practice
Fathers paid in company credit rather than in wages.
Where people slip
Payment in credit ties the whole family to the company store as well as the mill, which is a second dependence beyond employment.
Your place on the trail
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