In the early 19th century the United States of America began to experience many changes. In parts of the country there was a shift from an agrarian society to an industrial society. This shift began upon Francis Cabot Lowell’s return from a visit to England in 1811. Lowell toured local textile mills in England and learned the key aspects of their operation. He and other business partners saw great opportunity for successful textile mills in New England. With the help of a loosely connected group of investors, the “Lowell Experiment” was underway. Lowell attempted to improve upon the English industrial model by employing women into the factories. By employing women into the factories, Lowell thought to improve the gloomy image and lack of virtue in the mills that he observed in England. These Yankee women who were lured to Lowells Experiment became known as the Lowell Mill Girls.