GENERAL CURRICULUM TEST OBJECTIVE : 0006 Understand major developments in the history of the United States from precolonial times to the present.
Even prior to and during the Civil War period, the beginnings of industrialism were emerging in the United States. However, after the war, dramatic changes took place with machines replacing much of hand labor, the invention of new products that could mass produce items in large quantities, and the infusion of money from bankers and investors into business expansion. Additionally, the establishment of transcontinental railroads resulted in almost 200,000 miles of railroad track by 1900, facilitating trade and a rapidly growing industrialized economy. Many people relocated to cities, searching for factory jobs. Thus, urbanization followed industrialization, primarily in the northeast. By the early 1900's, a third of the population lived in cities.
In Massachusetts, factories produced more than one-third of the nation's textiles. As the American economy grew, a small percentage of the population controlled the new wealth and these industrialists created huge and profitable corporations. Men like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie became rich and prosperous. This period was called the Guilded Age. However, most laborers earned little pay and endured hard conditions, fueling clashes between labor unions and the corporate management in many of these businesses.
With the increase of factories, workers could produce a large quantity of goods faster, and hundreds of workers were hired and assigned to perform specific jobs in the production process. This method, called division of labor, increased the rate of production and allowed businesses to lower their prices on products making them affordable for more people. This new availability of products led to the establish of department stores and mail-order businesses which were aided by new inventions that helped communication, such as the telephone and telegraph.
Other inventions at this time, such as the electric light, and especially the automobile, allowed for new products for consumers and the ability of businesses to thrive. The use of the many natural resources (water, iron ore, lumber, petroleum, etc.) facilitated the growth of business and industry.
Many people invested in these new businesses which gave the corporations the capital (money) they needed to expand. New banks arose which made loans to businesses. However, there was very little regulation by the government of these new industries and businesses. Some owners of similar businesses merged into relationships called trusts, or monopolies, that helped them dominate a particular industry. This was advantageous for economic growth, but in many cases led to unfair business practices and corruption. An increase in population, largely through foreign immigration from European countries, produced more consumers and workers for industry. A processing center was established in New York City at Ellis Island to manage the influx of foreign immigrants. Additionally, people moving from farm to factory due to the replacement of farmers by mechanization made a large number of workers available.
Resources:
http://www.history.com/topics/industrial-revolution/videos/the-industrial-revolition
http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/quizzes/industrial/industrial.htm
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