Question

lowells textile corporations paid higher wages than those in other textile cities, but work was arduous and conditions were frequently unhealthy. although the citys corporations threatened labor reformers with firing or blacklisting, many mill girls protested wage cuts and working conditions. female workers struck twice in the 1830s. in the 1840s, female labor reformers banded together to promote the ten - hour day, in the face of strong corporate opposition. few strikes succeeded, however, and lowells workforce remained largely unorganized. adding to the difficulties of organizing lowells operatives was the changing ethnic composition of the workforce. the number of irish employed in lowells mills rose dramatically in the 1840s, as irish men and women fled their famine - stricken land. thousands of immigrants from many other countries settled in lowell in the decades after the civil war. according to reading#2, what challenges did the lowell girls face in trying to improve their working conditions? choose two correct answers. they faced famine. the ethnic diversity of the workforce made it difficult to organize. they risked being fired or blacklisted.

Explanation:

The text mentions that the city's corporations threatened labor - reformers with firing or blacklisting. It also states that the changing ethnic composition of the workforce made organizing difficult. There is no mention of famine being a challenge in improving working conditions.

Answer:

• The ethnic diversity of the workforce made it difficult to organize.
• They risked being fired or blacklisted.