Examining Related Evidence: The Invention of the Sewing Machine
This internet activity is based on the Examining the Evidence feature found on page 305 of
The American Pageant, Thirteenth Edition. Or you can view the feature
here.
Some historians argue that the history of technology is more important than political history because the changes brought about by technological innovation have a greater effect on more people. To examine the impact of Howes invention in more depth go to the American Memory Projects Today in History for July 9th.
1. How did Howe's life change after he invented the sewing machine?
2. Look at the Occupational Portrait of a Woman Working at a Sewing Machine. When was this daguerreotype made? How many years after Howes invention was this image made? What does this image seem to be implying about where clothes were being sewn at that time?
3. Look at the Richmond & Backus Co. Sewing Room photograph and the Girls Winding.
4. Armatures image (or film) and read the narrative and document underneath the Girls Winding Armatures image. How has the making of clothes changed in the 60 years since Howes invention? Identify some positives and negatives of these changes.
