Question

this is a cause - and - effect chart of the lowell system.
the lowell system employed young women in textile mills. ?
which effect best completes the chart?
sparked debates about women’s roles by giving them economic independence
increased production efficiency but reduced wages for skilled male workers
forced northern states to pass laws banning child labor in factories
led to southern plantations adopting the same labor model

Explanation:

The Lowell System employed young women in textile mills. This gave these women economic independence (earning wages), which sparked debates about women's roles (as they were moving beyond traditional domestic spheres). Option B is incorrect because the Lowell System used young women, not to replace skilled male workers (it was more about a new labor source for mills, not directly reducing male wages). Option C is incorrect as the Lowell System's labor force was young women, not children, so it didn't drive child labor laws. Option D is incorrect as Southern plantations relied on enslaved labor, not the Lowell - style wage - labor of young women.

Answer:

A. Sparked debates about women’s roles by giving them economic independence