The Belles of New England: The Women of the Textile Mills and the Families Whose Wealth They Wove

The Belles of New England examines the cultural and economic impact of New England's textile mills on America. William Moran traces the history of American textile manufacturing from its origins with Francis Cabot Lodge through the early mills, which were established by wealthy Boston families as experiments in benevolent social responsibility. However, the industry's growing profits became connected to slavery, immigration, and workers' rights issues. Moran, an award-winning CBS producer, documents this history with attention to specific details. The book serves as a microcosm of America's social development during the period, exploring the textile mills' role in a complex tapestry involving vast wealth, greed, discrimination, and courage.