Effects Of Post Civil War Industrialization

Post-Civil War Industrialization allowed America have an interconnected, productive, and profitable economy which results in the US becoming economically powerful globally. As the US became more industrial and urban which increased production that causing farmers and factory owners to search for new markets for their surplus goods. Once Americans found these new foreign markets they wanted to protect their financial interests in that country which lead to countries being under the US’ sphere of influence. Industrialization created a more effective and interconnected economy that could produce great loads of wealth, unfortunately this lead to business people to using corrupt practices in order to work the system. Eventually Americans started
During the Gilded age the US government believed in Laissez Faire economics which is the belief that the government should not interfere in the economy. This lack of interference allowed large companies to use corrupt business practices that allowed them to have complete control over the market. Corporations used business practices like vertical integration in which companies own and control all the steps in manufacturing, transporting, and selling steel. Companies also used horizontal integration by selling one product in different markets by creating a monopoly. Interlocking directorates were also used by having a company form another company with the same board of directors running both companies. They would them transfer the funds and intentionally bankrupt the other company which would eliminate competition. All of these practices allowed for business giants like Andrew Carnegie, JP Morgan, and John D. Rockefeller to control large amounts of wealth while hurting the common citizen. Because of journalists called Muckrakers who exposed scandals in business people began to demand reform and as a result during the Progressive era politicians realized that some government regulations were needed in the economy in order to help level the playing field. Economic reform began during Roosevelt’s presidency
During this time of change immigration boomed and provided industry with the labor it needed. But the boom also created challenges because immigrants were typically unskilled, poor, and found themselves without support in America which made them only qualified for low paying jobs resulting in the majority living in the newly urbanized cities. Because of the low wages that factory jobs provided many immigrants ended up living in crowded, unsafe tenements that offered people shelter from the elements but not much more. Little change occurred before the 1900s because before this time the government did not see itself responsible for the welfare of individuals. But during the progressive era reformers goals were to improve the common person's condition in life and labor. Reform was achieved when people were made aware of the social ills effecting the country. In the book The Jungle horrifying descriptions of how meat was prepared inspired the Meat Inspection Act and The Pure Food and Drug Act which were designed to protect consumers and the public’s health. Another social crusade of the progressive era was the temperance movement which sought to prohibit alcohol all together. Crusaders for this realized that men that consumed a lot of alcohol would blow the family’s