c) Opening of Slater Mill

The opening of Slater Mill in 1793 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is often considered the beginning of the American Industrial Revolution. Founded by Samuel Slater, the mill marked the first successful implementation of water-powered cotton spinning machinery in the United States. This event symbolized a shift from manual labor and artisanal workshops to machine-powered manufacturing, setting the stage for rapid industrialization. Slater’s techniques, replicated from British models, were instrumental in developing the American textile industry. This transformation had profound effects on the U.S. economy, society, and landscape, marking a significant turn towards industrialization and modernization.