Samuel Slater's contribution to the economy was that he:
A) invented the steam engine
B) was the first to employ child labor
C) opened a successful textile mill in Rhode Island
D) started the Industrial Revolution in England before he moved to the United States
E) convinced President Jefferson of the benefits of manufacturing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Samuel Slater opened a successful textile mill in Rhode Island, which helped to spur the growth of the textile industry in the United States and contributed to the country's economic development. While he did help to bring the Industrial Revolution to the United States, he did not start it in England, nor did he invent the steam engine. Additionally, while he did employ child labor, this was unfortunately a common practice during his time and not a specific contribution to the economy. Finally, there is no evidence that he convinced President Jefferson of the benefits of manufacturing.

Samuel Slater's Contribution to the Economy Was That He